Having a tooth extracted is not something that anyone wants to go through, but it may be necessary for your oral health. The extraction process can vary depending on the size of the tooth and how difficult it is to remove. It also depends on whether or not there are any other teeth in close proximity.
For a lot of people, the idea of tooth extraction can be stressful or overwhelming. That’s why proper information and preparation are so important, to ensure safe, stress-free treatment.
In this post, we will discuss the factors that affect how long an extraction takes so you can make an educated decision about what treatment option works best for you.
What Is A Tooth Extraction?
Let’s start with the basics. A tooth extraction procedure is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. There are several reasons why you may need to have a tooth extracted, such as:
-A broken or cracked tooth
-A severely decayed tooth
-To prepare for braces
-To remove wisdom teeth
The extraction process can be performed by either your dentist or an oral surgeon.
What’s Involved In An Extraction?
The procedure typically involves numbing your jaw with local anesthesia so you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. If you are having multiple teeth extracted, general anesthesia may be used. The dentist will then remove one or more teeth using specialized tools such as forceps, curettes, and elevators, which are made specifically for extracting teeth.
How Long Does It Take?
The time it takes to extract a tooth can vary depending on the factors we mentioned earlier. However, in most cases, the extraction process will take between 15 and 30 minutes.
If you’re awake during the extraction, your dentist may recommend you bring earbuds and music to listen to. So if you’re creating a playlist, aim for about 20 minutes per tooth being extracted!
There may be some additional time beforehand for prep and afterward to make sure you are feeling okay before the dentist releases you. You will probably be numb for several hours after the procedure.
If you are having multiple teeth extracted, the procedure may take a little longer. If you need to be put under general anesthesia, the procedure will take longer as you will need to be monitored as you wake up.
What Happens After The Tooth Is Extracted?
Once the tooth is removed, you will be given instructions on how to care for the area. You will need to keep the wound clean and dry for a few days. You may also be given a prescription for antibiotics to help prevent infection.
It is important to follow your dentist’s instructions closely after having a tooth extracted. Failure to do so could result in complications such as infection or dry socket. If you experience any pain or discomfort after the extraction, contact your dentist immediately.
Takeaways on Tooth Extraction Timing
We hope this post has answered your question, “How long does a tooth extraction take?” If you have any other questions or concerns, please contact our office. We would be happy to help.