How Long Does a Tooth Extraction Take? Dr. Nemish Shah Explains

You are sitting in the dentist’s chair, and your hands are sweaty. The clock on the wall is ticking. How long is this going to last? Most people dread dental procedures, and their fear often stems from not knowing what to expect. A straightforward tooth extraction usually lasts 20 to 40 minutes, whereas a more complex surgical extraction might take 45 to 90 minutes. As for healing, 7 to 14 days is enough for most patients.

Dr. Nemish Shah breaks it down: the extraction process, the timeline, what to expect afterward, and essential tips to help you recover quickly and smoothly. If you live near Rock Hill, you can easily prepare for your treatment by following the steps mentioned here.

Simple Extraction Timeline

A simple extraction is when your dentist removes a tooth that is visible above the gum line. You will only need a small amount of anesthesia, and the procedure will take only a short time.

Your dentist will then numb the area using local anesthesia. This will require 5 to 10 minutes. Tooth Extractions in Rock Hill follow standard protocols. They first use an elevator tool to loosen the tooth, then use forceps to remove it—total time spent in the dentist’s chair: 20 to 40 minutes.

The steps:

• Numbing: 5 to 10 minutes
• Loosening the tooth: 3 to 7 minutes
• Removal: 2 to 5 minutes
• Post-procedure care instructions: 5 to 10 minutes

You walk out the same day. No stitches needed. Recovery begins immediately.

Surgical Extraction: What Takes Longer

Surgical extractions address teeth broken at the gum line or impacted wisdom teeth. These procedures need more time and oral care.

Your dentist makes an incision in the gum tissue. They remove bone around the tooth if needed. Sometimes they cut the tooth into sections to make removal easier. This complexity extends the procedure to 45-90 minutes.

The process:

• Anesthesia and sedation: 10 to 15 minutes 
• Incision and bone removal: 15 to 30 minutes 
• Tooth sectioning and extraction: 15 to 30 minutes 
• Stitching and cleanup: 10 to 15 minutes

Patients in Rock Hill often choose sedation for comfort. This adds time but reduces anxiety. You leave with stitches that dissolve in 7 to 10 days.

Healing Time: What to Expect

Healing varies. Simple extractions heal faster than surgical ones.

For simple extractions:

• Days 1 to 3: Blood clot forms. Swelling peaks. Discomfort is highest. 
• Days 4 to 7: Swelling reduces. Pain fades. Soft tissue begins closing. 
• Days 8 to 14: Gum tissue heals. You return to normal eating.

For surgical extractions:

• Days 1 to 5: Blood clot forms. Swelling and bruising appear. 
• Days 6 to 10: Stitches dissolve. Swelling decreases. 
• Days 11 to 21: Soft tissue closes. Bone beneath continues healing for several months.

Full bone regeneration takes 3 to 6 months. Most patients resume normal activities within 2 weeks.

What Affects Your Procedure Time

Several factors influence duration:

• Tooth location: Molars have multiple roots. They take longer to extract than front teeth.
• Tooth condition: Decayed or broken teeth fragment during removal. This extends the procedure.
• Root structure: Curved or fused roots complicate extraction.
• Bone density: Dense bone requires more effort to loosen teeth.
• Patient anatomy: Some people have thicker gums or unusual nerve placement.

Dr. Shah evaluates these factors before your appointment. He provides an accurate time estimate based on X-rays and examination.

Critical Actions to Avoid After Extraction

Your behavior after extraction determines the success of healing. Certain actions dislodge the blood clot. This leads to dry socket, a painful complication.

Do not do these things:

• No smoking or vaping
• No drinking through straws
• Avoid spitting forcefully
• No aggressive rinsing
• Avoid hard, crunchy foods
• Avoid hot foods and beverages
• Avoid spicy or acidic foods
• Don’t drink or consum Alcohol
• Don’t brush directly over the site
• Do not skip hygiene completely
• Avoid using alcohol-based mouthwash
• Avoid touching the area with fingers or tongue
• Avoid heavy lifting
• Avoid intense workouts
• Avoid bending over
• Avoid increased blood pressure activities

Signs That You May Need Immediate Attention

Most extractions heal without issue; however, there are some instances when you should contact your dentist for assistance with post-operative problems. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your dentist.

• A bad smell or taste could indicate an injury or dry socket.
• Swelling usually peaks within the first 48 hrs., after which it begins to decrease. If you notice continued swelling after day three, you probably have a dental infection.
• If your temperature is over 101 F, you may have an infection spreading to other areas.
• Heavy bleeding beyond 24 hours. Light bleeding for the first twenty-four hours post-surgically is normal.
• If your discomfort continues to worsen after three days, you most likely have a complication following your dental surgery.
• If you have difficulty swallowing or breathing, seek emergency medical attention immediately.

Our dental office provides emergency dental care. Rock Hill patients receive detailed post-operative instructions.

Your Next Steps

You know the timeline. You understand the process. You recognize what to avoid.

Simple extractions take less than an hour. Surgical procedures need more time. Healing takes 2 weeks for most people.

Follow post-procedure guidelines. Watch for warning signs. Contact your dentist with concerns.

Tooth extractions are routine. Thousands of people in Rock Hill and the surrounding areas undergo them yearly. The procedure is safe when done by experienced professionals.

Schedule Your Consultation

Riverwalk Dental Arts serves Rock Hill and nearby areas and offers tooth extraction services performed by experienced professionals. Dr. Nemish Shah brings years of experience to every procedure.

Your comfort matters. Clear communication matters. Results matter.

Call today to discuss your dental needs. We will answer your questions. Our team will explain the costs and schedule your appointments to fit your busy schedule.

Visit our practice in Rock Hill. Feel the difference that professional care can make.

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