Timing at a glance
| Type | Extraction itself | Whole appointment |
|---|---|---|
| Loose or milk tooth | A minute or two | 15–30 minutes |
| Simple extraction (tooth fully visible) | 5–15 minutes | 30–45 minutes |
| Broken tooth or curved roots | 15–30 minutes | 45–60 minutes |
| Impacted wisdom tooth | 20–60 minutes | About an hour or more |
| Several teeth at once | Varies | Planned for you in advance |
What decides how long it takes
- Where the tooth is. Front teeth have one root; molars have two or three.
- The roots. Curved, long or fused roots take longer.
- Whether it’s broken or heavily filled, which can mean removing it in pieces.
- Impaction. A wisdom tooth under the gum or bone needs a small surgical approach.
- Infection. An inflamed area can take longer to numb.
Healing timeline
| When | What’s happening |
|---|---|
| First hour | A clot forms; you bite on gauze |
| First day | Light oozing, soreness starts once numbness wears off |
| Days 2–3 | Soreness and swelling at their peak, especially after surgery |
| Week 1 | Much more comfortable; stitches start dissolving |
| Weeks 2–3 | Gum closes over the socket |
| Months 3–6 | Bone fills in; ready for an implant if you’re having one later |
If you’re planning an implant, it can sometimes go in on the same day as the extraction. See immediate implants.
Before your appointment
Tell us about any medicines, particularly blood thinners and bone-strengthening drugs, and any medical conditions. Eat a light meal beforehand unless told otherwise. For wisdom tooth surgery, plan a quiet day afterwards. See what to eat after an extraction and tooth extraction.
Questions patients ask us
How long does a simple tooth extraction take?
Often five to fifteen minutes for the extraction itself, once the tooth is numb. The whole appointment is usually 30 to 45 minutes.
How long does wisdom tooth removal take?
A wisdom tooth that has come through can be as quick as a simple extraction. An impacted one usually takes 20 to 60 minutes, depending on its position.
How long does it take to stop bleeding after an extraction?
Steady bleeding usually stops within 30 to 60 minutes of biting on gauze, and light oozing within a day. If it doesn't, bite on gauze for another 20 minutes and call us if it continues.
How long does an extraction take to heal fully?
The gum closes over the socket in about two to three weeks. The bone underneath fills in and remodels over three to six months.
How long until I can go back to work?
After a simple extraction, often the same or next day. After wisdom tooth surgery, most people take one or two days off.
Sources
ADA MouthHealthy: tooth extractions ↗NHS: wisdom tooth removal ↗Last updated 14 October 2026.