An adult’s worst nightmare is losing all their teeth. Plus, given how there’s no backup tooth waiting to take its place makes it even scarier. But sometimes, tooth extractions are necessary. In fact, most dental emergencies lead to it, especially when the tooth itself is beyond repair. But how long does a tooth extraction take?
If you have dental anxiety or are worried about the pain that comes with most dental procedures, then this blog is for you.
Why Do You Need To Go Through Tooth Extraction?
Whether it’s a compacted wisdom tooth or a damaged incisor, extractions aren’t limited to the type of teeth you have. However, there are certain reasons why you might be in dire need of undergoing tooth extraction surgery. This can include:
- A tooth that is far too damaged to be repaired
- Impacted or misaligned teeth
- A severely infected or decaying tooth
- A fractured or broken tooth under the gum line.
- Overcrowded teeth
- Facial or dental trauma
- Wisdom teeth
- Shark teeth
How Long Does a Tooth Extraction Take?
If you’re in a hurry, you probably shouldn’t schedule yourself for a tooth extraction. This is because most extractions can take an hour or more, depending on the severity of the case.
For instance, if your tooth is in awful condition, it might require an x-ray or digital imaging of sorts. This will help determine what step to take next. That is, whether it should be extracted or given more time to settle.
Essentially, your dentist will ensure you are comfortable and well-acquainted with the entire process before the procedure begins. However, the timing may also vary according to the number of teeth that are being extracted. But in either case, each tooth can take 20 to 30 minutes, on average.
Does a Tooth Extraction Surgery Hurt?
If you’re scared about the pain that comes while your tooth is being extracted, you have nothing to worry about. This is because you’re most likely to be heavily sedated, so you won’t feel a thing when your dentist pulls out the affected tooth.
Moreover, after the surgery, you might experience slight pain, which lasts only one to three days. It’s merely your body getting used to the empty space, so a bit of soreness is to be expected. Nonetheless, if the pain persists and gets too much to bear, perhaps it’s better to visit your dentist as soon as you can.
Tooth Extraction Aftercare Tips
Once your problem tooth has been pulled out, it doesn’t mean you’re in the clear. You need to follow the specific instructions given by your dentist to speed up the recovery process. Besides that, here are some additional tips you can follow to heal faster:
- Maintain a strict oral hygiene routine
- Use a soft-bristled brush to clean your teeth
- Don’t skip out on the antibiotics
- Rest as needed
- Avoid physically straining activities
- Don’t eat from the affected side
- Opt for soft and cold foods rather than anything too hard or hot.
What’s The Takeaway?
To summarize, tooth extraction only lasts for 20 to 30 minutes. But depending on the intensity of the case and the number of teeth extracted, the entire procedure can sometimes take more than an hour. For more information, contact Texas Premier Dental at (281) 206-0100.