Wisdom teeth removal usually takes around 20 minutes for one wisdom tooth and around 45–60 minutes for all four wisdom teeth. The exact time depends on whether the teeth have fully erupted, whether they are impacted, how many wisdom teeth are being removed, and whether local anaesthetic, IV sedation, twilight sedation or general anaesthesia is used.
The surgical removal itself is often shorter than the full appointment. Your total visit may also include preparation, X-ray review, anaesthetic, sedation setup, surgical time, post-treatment monitoring and recovery instructions.
Recovery usually takes around 10–14 days, although most people feel noticeably better within the first few days.
Wisdom teeth removal time by case
| Type of wisdom teeth removal | Estimated time |
|---|---|
| One wisdom tooth | Around 20 minutes |
| Two wisdom teeth | Around 30–45 minutes |
| Three wisdom teeth | Around 45+ minutes |
| All four wisdom teeth | Around 45–60 minutes |
| Complex or impacted wisdom teeth | May take longer |
These times are only a general guide. Your dentist or oral surgeon can give you a more accurate estimate after examining your wisdom teeth and reviewing your X-rays.
How long does wisdom teeth removal take?
For a straightforward wisdom teeth removal, the procedure may only take a short time once the area is numb. A simple erupted wisdom tooth can often be removed in around 20 minutes or less.
More complex wisdom teeth removal takes longer. If the tooth is impacted, partially covered by gum, close to nerves, covered by bone, infected, or needs to be divided into sections before removal, the surgical time may increase.
The number of wisdom teeth also matters. Removing one wisdom tooth is usually faster than removing all four, but complexity is more important than number alone. One deeply impacted wisdom tooth may take longer than two simple erupted wisdom teeth.
Wisdom teeth removal time by number of teeth
How long does it take to remove one wisdom tooth?
Removing one wisdom tooth usually takes around 20 minutes, although the time can vary.
If the wisdom tooth has fully erupted through the gum and is easy to access, the removal is usually faster. If the tooth is impacted, angled, broken, infected, or close to surrounding bone or nerves, the procedure can take longer.
A single wisdom tooth removal may involve:
- numbing the area with local anaesthetic
- loosening the tooth
- removing the tooth
- cleaning the socket
- placing stitches if needed
In simple cases, the removal itself can be quick. In complex cases, the preparation and surgical steps take more time.
How long does getting all 4 wisdom teeth out take?
Getting all four wisdom teeth out usually takes around 45–60 minutes for the surgical part of the procedure.
The full appointment may be longer than the surgical time itself because it can include:
- preparation
- anaesthesia or sedation
- X-ray review
- surgical setup
- post-treatment monitoring
- recovery instructions
Four fully erupted wisdom teeth may be removed more quickly than four impacted wisdom teeth. If one or more teeth are trapped under the gum or bone, close to nerves, infected, or need to be sectioned, the procedure may take longer.
If IV sedation, twilight sedation or general anaesthesia is used, you should also allow time before and after the procedure for sedation preparation and recovery monitoring.
How long does it take to remove 2 or 3 wisdom teeth?
Removing two or three wisdom teeth usually takes longer than removing one tooth, but may be shorter than removing all four.
As a rough guide, removing two wisdom teeth may take around 30–45 minutes, while removing three wisdom teeth may take 45 minutes or more.
However, the exact time depends on the position and complexity of each tooth. Two fully erupted wisdom teeth may be faster to remove than one deeply impacted lower wisdom tooth.
How long is wisdom teeth surgery?
Wisdom teeth surgery time depends on the number of teeth being removed and how complex the extractions are.
The surgical part may take around 20 minutes for one wisdom tooth or up to around one hour for all four wisdom teeth. However, the full appointment can be longer because your dental team needs time to prepare you, administer anaesthetic, complete the procedure safely, and monitor you afterwards if sedation or general anaesthesia is involved.
Wisdom teeth surgery may take longer if:
- the tooth is impacted
- the tooth is close to a nerve
- the tooth is covered by bone
- the roots are curved
- the tooth is infected or decayed
- multiple teeth are being removed
- IV sedation, twilight sedation or general anaesthesia is required
How long does wisdom teeth removal take from start to finish?
From start to finish, wisdom teeth removal can take longer than the surgical removal time alone.
For a simple single wisdom tooth removal under local anaesthetic, the full appointment may be relatively short. For multiple wisdom teeth, impacted teeth, IV sedation, twilight sedation or general anaesthesia, the total appointment can be longer because of preparation, anaesthesia and monitoring.
A realistic guide is:
- Simple single wisdom tooth removal: around 20–30 minutes appointment time
- Multiple wisdom teeth under local anaesthetic: around 45–60 minutes or more
- All four wisdom teeth under sedation or general anaesthesia: surgical time may be around 45–60 minutes, but total appointment or hospital time will be longer
Your dentist or oral surgeon will explain what to expect based on your treatment plan.
Simple vs complex wisdom tooth removal time
Not all wisdom tooth removals are the same. The time required depends heavily on whether the extraction is simple or complex.
Simple wisdom tooth extraction
A simple wisdom tooth extraction is usually faster. This is when the wisdom tooth has erupted through the gum and can be accessed easily.
In this case, your dentist can usually numb the area, loosen the tooth and remove it without needing to cut into the gum or remove bone.
Simple wisdom tooth removal may only take a few minutes once the anaesthetic has taken effect, although the full appointment will be longer.
Complex or impacted wisdom tooth extraction
A complex wisdom tooth extraction usually takes longer. This is often needed when the wisdom tooth is impacted, partially erupted, angled, or trapped under the gum or bone.
In a complex removal, your dentist or oral surgeon may need to:
- make a small incision in the gum
- remove a small amount of bone
- divide the tooth into sections
- remove each section carefully
- clean the area
- place dissolvable stitches
Impacted wisdom tooth removal can take around 30–45 minutes per tooth in more complex cases, but this varies depending on the position of the tooth and the surgical difficulty.
Which wisdom teeth are easier to remove?
Wisdom teeth are usually easier and faster to remove when they have fully erupted, are positioned straight, and are not close to nerves or surrounding bone.
Wisdom teeth may be harder to remove if they are impacted, angled, broken, infected, buccally erupted, or pushing against the neighbouring molar. Lower wisdom teeth can also be more complex if their roots sit close to important nerves.
This is why X-rays are important before wisdom tooth removal. They help your dentist or oral surgeon understand the position of the tooth and plan the safest approach.
How long does wisdom teeth removal take under anaesthesia?
The type of anaesthesia can affect the total appointment time, even if the surgical time is similar.
In Australia, this is usually written as anaesthesia, although some patients search for anesthesia.
Local anaesthetic
With local anaesthetic, the area around the wisdom tooth is numbed while you remain awake. This is common for simple or moderately complex wisdom tooth removal.
The anaesthetic takes a short time to work, and then the tooth can be removed. Local anaesthetic appointments are often shorter than procedures involving IV sedation, twilight sedation or general anaesthesia.
With local anaesthetic, a simple wisdom tooth removal may take around 20 minutes for one tooth. More complex extractions can take longer.
IV sedation
IV sedation may be recommended for more complex wisdom teeth removal or for patients with significant dental anxiety.
With IV sedation, you are deeply relaxed but not fully unconscious. The appointment may take longer because the dental team needs time to prepare, administer sedation, monitor you during the procedure, and ensure you are safe before leaving.
Twilight sedation
Twilight sedation is a common term used for IV sedation. It may be suitable for patients who feel anxious about wisdom teeth removal or who need more complex treatment.
Twilight sedation does not necessarily make the surgical removal longer, but it can make the total appointment longer because of preparation, sedation and recovery monitoring.
General anaesthesia
General anaesthesia may be used for complex wisdom teeth surgery, multiple impacted teeth, or hospital-based treatment.
Under general anaesthesia, you are completely asleep during the procedure. The surgical time may still be around 45–60 minutes for all four wisdom teeth, but the total appointment or hospital visit will be longer due to preparation, anaesthesia and recovery monitoring.
At Toothsome, we have access to hospital-based treatment options when clinically appropriate, including IV sedation, Twilight sedation and general anaesthesia for suitable cases.
What can make wisdom tooth removal take longer?
Wisdom tooth removal may take longer when the case is more complex. The main factors include:
Impaction
An impacted wisdom tooth is trapped under the gum or bone, or it has only partially erupted. Impacted teeth usually require more careful surgical access.
Tooth angle
Wisdom teeth that grow sideways, backwards, or into the neighbouring molar can be harder to remove.
Root shape
Curved, long, or unusually shaped roots can increase the complexity of the extraction.
Proximity to nerves
Lower wisdom teeth can sit close to important nerves. If this is the case, your dentist or oral surgeon will plan the removal carefully to reduce risk.
Bone coverage
If the tooth is partly or fully covered by bone, your dentist or oral surgeon may need to remove a small amount of bone before removing the tooth.
Infection or decay
Infected or badly decayed teeth can be more fragile and may require additional care during removal.
Number of teeth
Removing four wisdom teeth naturally takes longer than removing one.
Type of anaesthesia
IV sedation, twilight sedation and general anaesthesia add preparation and recovery time to the appointment.
What happens during the wisdom teeth removal procedure?
The exact process depends on your case, but the wisdom teeth removal procedure usually follows a clear sequence.
The wisdom teeth removal process usually includes X-rays, anaesthetic, accessing the tooth, removing it, cleaning the socket and giving aftercare instructions.
1. Consultation and X-rays
Your dentist or oral surgeon examines your wisdom teeth and reviews X-rays to understand the position of the teeth, roots, nerves and surrounding bone.
2. Anaesthetic or sedation
The area is numbed with local anaesthetic. If IV sedation, twilight sedation or general anaesthesia is needed, this will be planned before the procedure.
3. Tooth access
If the wisdom tooth has erupted, it may be removed like a standard tooth extraction. If it is impacted, your dentist or oral surgeon may need to make a small incision in the gum.
4. Tooth removal
The tooth is loosened and removed. In complex cases, it may be divided into smaller sections to reduce trauma to the surrounding tissue.
5. Cleaning and stitches
The socket is cleaned. If needed, dissolvable stitches are placed to help the gum heal.
6. Recovery instructions
Your dental team will explain how to care for the area, what to eat, what to avoid, and when to seek help.
How long is recovery after wisdom tooth removal?
Initial recovery after wisdom tooth removal usually takes around 10–14 days.
Some people recover faster, especially after a simple extraction. More complex or impacted wisdom teeth removal can cause more swelling, tenderness and downtime.
First 24 hours after wisdom tooth removal
The first 24 hours are important because a blood clot needs to form in the socket. This clot protects the area and helps healing begin.
During this time, you should usually:
- rest
- avoid strenuous exercise
- eat soft foods
- avoid drinking through a straw
- avoid smoking or vaping
- avoid spitting forcefully
- follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions
Using a straw, smoking, vaping or spitting forcefully can dislodge the blood clot and increase the risk of dry socket.
First week after wisdom tooth removal
During the first week, it is normal to have some swelling, tenderness and discomfort while eating.
Soft foods such as yoghurt, soup, smoothies without a straw, scrambled eggs, mashed vegetables and soft pasta can be easier to manage.
Your dentist may recommend gentle salt water rinses after the first 24 hours. Brush carefully and avoid disturbing the extraction site.
After 10–14 days
Most people feel significantly better after 10–14 days. The gum tissue should be healing well, and you can usually begin returning to a more normal diet as advised by your dentist.
If pain gets worse instead of better, or if you notice bad taste, bad smell, fever, swelling, pus, or severe throbbing pain, contact your dentist. These can be signs of infection or dry socket.
How long is recovery for all 4 wisdom teeth?
Recovery after removing all four wisdom teeth is usually around 10–14 days, although the first few days are normally the most uncomfortable.
Removing all four wisdom teeth may create more swelling and tenderness than removing one tooth, especially if the teeth were impacted or removed under sedation or general anaesthesia.
Most patients need a few days of rest before returning to normal daily activity. Your dentist or oral surgeon will advise you based on the complexity of your procedure.
If you have all four wisdom teeth removed, it is especially important to follow your aftercare instructions, avoid smoking or vaping, avoid straws, eat soft foods and keep the extraction sites clean as directed.
When should you contact a dentist or oral surgeon?
You should contact your dentist or oral surgeon if you experience:
- pain that gets worse after day 3 or 4
- swelling that continues to increase
- fever
- pus or signs of infection
- bad taste or bad smell from the socket
- bleeding that does not stop
- severe throbbing pain
- numbness that does not improve
- difficulty opening your mouth
- trouble swallowing or breathing
Do not ignore worsening symptoms after wisdom tooth removal. Early treatment can help prevent complications.
Wisdom teeth removal in Sydney
The only way to know exactly how long your wisdom teeth removal will take is to have your wisdom teeth assessed properly.
At Toothsome, our team can assess your wisdom teeth at our Chatswood or Baulkham Hills clinics and explain whether your case is likely to be simple or complex. We can also discuss whether local anaesthetic, IV sedation, twilight sedation or general anaesthesia may be appropriate for your situation.
If you are experiencing wisdom tooth pain, swelling, infection, or have been advised to have your wisdom teeth removed, contact Toothsome to book a consultation.
Frequently asked questions
How long does wisdom teeth removal take?
Wisdom teeth removal usually takes around 20 minutes for one tooth and up to 45–60 minutes for all four wisdom teeth. Complex or impacted wisdom teeth may take longer.
How long does it take to remove one wisdom tooth?
One wisdom tooth usually takes around 20 minutes to remove, although a simple erupted tooth may be faster and an impacted tooth may take longer.
How long does getting all 4 wisdom teeth out take?
Getting all four wisdom teeth out usually takes around 45–60 minutes for the surgical part of the procedure. The total appointment can be longer if IV sedation, twilight sedation or general anaesthesia is used.
How long is wisdom teeth surgery?
Wisdom teeth surgery may take around 20 minutes for one tooth or up to one hour for all four teeth. The total appointment can be longer because of preparation, anaesthesia and recovery monitoring.
How long does wisdom teeth removal take under general anaesthesia?
The surgical part may take around 45–60 minutes for all four wisdom teeth, but the full appointment or hospital visit will be longer because general anaesthesia requires preparation and recovery monitoring.
How long does wisdom teeth removal take with local anaesthetic?
With local anaesthetic, a simple wisdom tooth removal may take around 20 minutes for one tooth. More complex extractions can take longer.
How long are you asleep for wisdom teeth removal?
If general anaesthesia is used, you are asleep during the procedure itself. The removal may take around 45–60 minutes for all four wisdom teeth, but the total time is longer because of anaesthetic preparation and recovery monitoring.
Can I go back to work after wisdom tooth removal?
It depends on the complexity of your procedure. After a simple removal, some people return to work quickly. After complex removal, IV sedation or general anaesthesia, you may need a few days to rest. Always follow your dentist’s advice.
