How Long Does Emergency Tooth Extraction Take?

When faced with a dental emergency, such as severe pain or a damaged tooth, the thought of an emergency tooth extraction near you might be intimidating. You may wonder how long the procedure will take and what to expect. In this article, we’ll shed light on the duration of an emergency dental extraction, providing insights into what happens during the process. If you’re in Manalapan Township, NJ, and need urgent dental care, Union Hill Dental is here to help.

Understanding Emergency Tooth Extraction

An emergency wisdom tooth extraction is a dental procedure to remove a severely damaged, infected, or painful tooth that cannot be saved through other treatments like fillings or root canals. It’s typically a last resort when preserving the tooth is no longer possible, and the focus becomes eliminating the source of pain and preventing further complications.

Factors Affecting the Duration

The time it takes for an emergency tooth extraction can vary based on several factors, including:

• Tooth Location: The tooth’s location in your mouth can influence the extraction time. Front teeth are generally easier and quicker to extract than molars, especially wisdom teeth.
• Tooth Condition: The condition of the tooth plays a crucial role. Teeth that are severely damaged or impacted may require more time and effort to extract.
• Patient’s Health: The patient’s overall health can impact the extraction process. Patients with certain medical conditions may need extra care and monitoring during the procedure.
• Sedation Choice: Some patients may opt for sedation to ease anxiety and discomfort during the extraction. The type of sedation used can affect the procedure’s duration.

The Extraction Process

During an emergency tooth extraction, you can expect the following steps:

1. Anesthesia: Your dentist in Manalapan will administer local anesthesia to numb the affected area. This ensures you won’t feel pain during the extraction.
2. Tooth Loosening: The dentist will use specialized tools to loosen the tooth from its socket gently. Sometimes, the teeth must be divided into smaller pieces for easier removal.
3. Extraction: Once the tooth is sufficiently loosened, the dentist will carefully extract it from the socket. You may feel pressure but should not experience pain.
4. Cleaning and Stitches: After removing the tooth, the dentist will clean the extraction site to remove any remaining debris. Stitches may be placed to close the wound, depending on the case.
5. Recovery and Aftercare: You’ll receive instructions on how to care for the tooth extraction site at home and what to eat and avoid in the coming days. It may be necessary to prescribe pain medication and antibiotics.

Average Duration

In most cases, an emergency tooth extraction can be completed in 20 to 40 minutes. However, this is a general estimate, and the actual duration may vary based on the factors mentioned earlier.

Recovery Time

Recovery time after an emergency tooth extraction can also vary from person to person. Here’s what to expect:

• Immediate Recovery: After the extraction, you can expect some bleeding and discomfort immediately. This is normal and should subside within a few hours.
• First Few Days: For the first few days, you may experience swelling and continued discomfort. Follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to manage pain and reduce swelling.
• Complete Healing: Full healing of the extraction site can take a few weeks. During this time, the blood clot that forms in the socket will gradually be replaced by new gum tissue.