Wisdom Teeth Extraction: When Is It Urgent?
Quick Answer
How long does wisdom teeth removal take?
In most situations, wisdom tooth removal takes between 30 and 60 minutes. The time can vary depending on how many teeth are involved, whether there is an impacted wisdom tooth, and how complex the surgical procedural portion of the procedure may be.
Key Takeaways
- Wisdom teeth extraction is a common oral surgery procedure
- Impacted wisdom teeth can increase the risk of gum disease and tooth decay
- Most teeth extraction procedures are completed within one hour
- Emergency wisdom tooth removal may be necessary during a dental emergency
- Protecting the blood clot at the extraction site is essential during the first 24 hours
Pressure in the back of your mouth, irritated gum tissue, or worsening pain and swelling can signal that wisdom teeth extraction may no longer be optional. Many people wonder if they truly need wisdom tooth removal or if the issue will settle on its own. Others ask, how long does wisdom teeth removal take, and is it painful?
Understanding why wisdom teeth extraction is recommended, and recognizing when emergency wisdom tooth removal becomes necessary, helps prevent complications that may develop quickly.
Why Wisdom Teeth Often Cause Problems
Wisdom teeth are the final molars to develop. They usually appear in the late teenage years or early adulthood. Unfortunately, the jaw often does not have enough room for them to come in properly.
When space is limited, impacted wisdom teeth may become trapped beneath the gum tissue or press against nearby molars. An impacted wisdom tooth may remain partially hidden or grow at an angle, making it difficult to clean.
This increases the risk of:
- Persistent pain and swelling
- Irritated or infected gum tissue
- Gum disease
- Tooth decay
- Development of fluid filled sacs around the tooth
When these concerns begin, a dentist or oral surgeon may recommend wisdom tooth extraction to protect long-term oral health and prevent worsening damage.
What Happens During Wisdom Tooth Extraction?
If your dental provider recommends teeth extraction, it is normal to feel nervous. However, wisdom teeth extraction is a routine oral surgery performed safely every day.
Before the procedure begins, local anesthesia is used to numb the area and keep you comfortable. In some cases, sedation may be offered if the impacted wisdom tooth requires more advanced surgical procedural care.
During the surgical procedural portion of wisdom tooth extraction:
- The dentist or oral surgeon gently opens the gum tissue if necessary
- The tooth is carefully loosened and removed
- The extraction site is thoroughly cleaned
- Gauze is placed to help a stable blood clot form
The formation of a stable blood clot at the extraction site is essential during the first 24 hours of recovery. This clot protects the bone and nerves underneath and supports proper healing.
For most patients, the answer to how long does wisdom teeth removal take remains under one hour, even when an impacted wisdom tooth is involved.
When Is Emergency Wisdom Tooth Removal Necessary?
Not every case requires urgent treatment. Many people schedule an appointment in advance for planned wisdom tooth removal. However, certain symptoms may signal a dental emergency.
You should seek emergency wisdom tooth removal if you experience:
- Severe or rapidly worsening pain and swelling
- Difficulty opening your mouth
- Swelling spreading into the jaw or face
- Signs of infection that do not improve
An untreated impacted wisdom tooth can escalate into a true dental emergency if infection spreads to surrounding tissue. Prompt evaluation reduces the risk of complications and protects overall oral health.
The First 24 Hours After Surgery
The first 24 hours following wisdom teeth extraction are critical for recovery. During this period, your body works to secure the blood clot at the extraction site.
If that blood clot becomes dislodged, a painful condition known as dry socket can occur. This may delay healing and increase discomfort.
To protect the area:
- Bite gently on gauze as instructed
- Avoid using straws
- Do not rinse forcefully
- Rest and limit physical activity
These simple steps support healing after oral surgery and reduce unnecessary complications.
What to Expect During Recovery
Mild pain and swelling are expected after wisdom tooth removal, especially following oral surgery. This response is part of the natural healing process.
Swelling typically peaks within a couple of days and then gradually improves. Soft foods are recommended while the extraction site heals. Many patients choose soups, yogurt, or mashed foods for comfort.
Keeping the mouth clean is still important. Gentle brushing away from the surgical area helps maintain oral health without disturbing healing tissue.
If pain and swelling increase instead of improving, or if new symptoms develop, contact a dentist or oral surgeon promptly.
Long-Term Benefits of Wisdom Tooth Removal
Although wisdom teeth extraction may feel inconvenient at first, it often prevents more serious issues later. Removing impacted wisdom teeth reduces the risk of:
- Chronic gum disease
- Ongoing infection
- Damage to nearby molars
- Structural crowding
In some cases, fluid filled sacs associated with an impacted wisdom tooth can affect surrounding bone if not treated early. Addressing the issue before it worsens helps preserve your smile and overall dental stability.
Final Thoughts
Wisdom teeth extraction is often recommended to prevent pain, infection, and long-term damage to surrounding teeth. While not every case requires urgent treatment, ignoring symptoms can allow problems to worsen quickly. If you notice ongoing discomfort, swelling, or changes near the back of your mouth, early evaluation by a dentist or oral surgeon can help protect your oral health and provide peace of mind.
Take the Next Step Toward Relief
When back tooth discomfort begins interfering with daily life, early action matters. Whether symptoms feel mild or severe, professional evaluation provides clarity and peace of mind.
If pain and swelling are increasing or you suspect a dental emergency, do not delay. The experienced team at Emergency Dentist in Upland provides careful evaluations and comfortable wisdom teeth extraction, including emergency wisdom tooth removal when necessary.
Call today to schedule an appointment and receive prompt attention before the issue progresses further.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my wisdom tooth pain is a dental emergency?
If my pain and swelling suddenly worsen, spread to my jaw, or make it difficult to open my mouth, it may indicate a dental emergency that requires immediate evaluation.
Will I be awake during wisdom teeth extraction?
Most patients receive local anesthesia to numb the area. Depending on the complexity of the impacted wisdom tooth, sedation options may also be discussed.
How long does wisdom teeth removal take if the tooth is impacted?
If I have an impacted wisdom tooth, the procedure may take slightly longer, but most wisdom tooth extraction procedures are still completed within about an hour.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Taylor Nielsen, DMD
Co-Founder of Emergency Dentist Huntington Beach, Upland, & More
Dr. Taylor Nielsen, DMD, earned his dental degree from Oregon Health & Science University after graduating with honors from Brigham Young University–Idaho. With over 1,000 hours of volunteer dental service, he is committed to providing high-quality, comfortable, and personalized care for every patient.
