Dental extraction is the official dentistry term for removing or pulling a tooth. Dental extractions may be necessary for a variety of reasons from severe decay and damage to orthodontic purposes.
If you are in need of tooth extraction, you may be wondering how long the procedure will take. Here’s how long you can expect the extraction process to take based on the situation.
Primary (Baby) Tooth Extraction: About 20 Minutes
A primary tooth extraction is typically the simplest type of tooth extraction. Since primary teeth are small and meant to be shed eventually, it is often easier to remove them, especially if they are already loose. The root structure of a primary tooth is not as large and does not go as deep into the jaw, making it easier to loosen and remove.
Permanent Tooth Extraction: About 20-40 Minutes
A permanent tooth may take a bit longer to extract than a primary tooth because the root structure is larger and it may be more set in place, especially for an adult. The procedure is still relatively short when compared to other dental procedures.
Extraction of Multiple Teeth: A Few Hours
The more teeth that need to be extracted, the longer the procedure will take. If multiple or all of the teeth need to be extracted, the procedure could take a few hours. Most tooth extractions can be done with local anesthesia, but sedation is always an option, especially for multiple tooth extractions due to the longer procedure time.
Reasons for Tooth Extraction:
There are multiple reasons that teeth sometimes need to be extracted, such as:
- Severe decay. A tooth that has extensive decay can not always be saved with dental procedures. When the tooth is unsavable, it will need to be extracted and replaced. Replacement of an extracted tooth is highly recommended to keep the other teeth healthy and in proper alignment.
- Significant damage. If a tooth is damaged by injury, such as a large fracture to a tooth, it may not be repairable. In this case the tooth will need to be extracted and replaced.
- Orthodontic benefits. Some people do not have enough room in their jaw for all of their teeth. Crowding can be a problem for children as well as adults. Sometimes primary teeth are extracted before they are naturally shed to make room for the permanent teeth to come in properly and in better alignment. Even permanent teeth can be extracted to make more room in the jaw for the rest of the teeth when crowding is severe.
- Preparation for dental prosthetics. When all or the majority of the teeth are severely decayed or damaged, they can be extracted and replaced with dentures. Traditional dentures attach to the gums with suction and adhesives. Implant supported dentures are held securely in place with anywhere from 4-6 dental implants placed in the jaw.
How Long Does it Take to Recover From Tooth Extraction?
The length of your recovery after tooth extraction depends on a variety of factors. The more teeth you have extracted, the longer your recovery may take. The size of the tooth may affect recovery time as well. The smaller the tooth, the shorter the recovery time. In most cases, you can expect to return to your normal daily activities the next day. Your gum tissue may take 2 weeks or more to fully heal. You’ll need to eat soft foods for the first few days and avoid chewing in the area of your extraction.
Why Choose Maine Dentistry?
At Maine Dentistry we provide gentle tooth extraction that is as comfortable for you as it can be, using local anesthesia and offering the option for sedation when appropriate. We also respect your time by making the process as short and efficient as possible. Please let us know if you have any concerns about your tooth extraction procedure and we will be glad to discuss them with you, providing reassurance and any necessary accommodations.
To learn more, contact us today and schedule an appointment.