How Long Does a Wisdom Tooth Removal Take? Manchester Dentist Advice
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- How Long Does a Wisdom Tooth Removal Take? Manchester Dentist Advice
It can be a bit of a shock to be told you need to have one or more of your wisdom teeth out. It sounds scary to most people, mainly because of the unknown, with the chief area of concern being how long the whole thing will take.
The honest answer is that it depends on a number of different things, such as how many wisdom teeth need to go. Just under 100,000 people have wisdom teeth out each year in the UK, so it’s something many go through.
In this article, we look at how long wisdom tooth removal in Manchester typically takes, and what the experience is like from a patient’s point of view.
You’ve likely heard stories from others about what it’s like having wisdom teeth removed, and they’re rarely positive. The fact is that some people are lucky. They’re lucky that their wisdom teeth come out in 20-30 minutes, because there are no complicating factors.
For others, however, there could be something stopping that from happening, such as a wisdom tooth growing at an awkward angle. When deciding the best course of action, your dentist in Manchester will look at several things.
| Factor | How It Can Affect Treatment Time |
| A fully erupted tooth (one that’s completely come through) | Usually quicker and simpler to remove |
| Impacted wisdom tooth (one that’s growing into another) | May require a surgical extraction (which might mean a visit to the hospital) |
| Tooth growing sideways | Can make removal more complex |
| Multiple teeth removed | Increases overall appointment length |
| Curved or difficult roots | May slow the extraction process |
Even when it runs longer than expected, most extractions are done and dusted within a single appointment. Our article on wisdom teeth removal goes further into other aspects, like why they’re taken out in the first place.
For many people, wisdom tooth removal can feel more intimidating than a standard dental extraction, and that’s because wisdom teeth can be far more unpredictable. As we just saw, some grow at odd angles, while others might be trapped beneath the gum or pressing against nearby teeth.
Because wisdom teeth sit right at the back of the mouth, they’re also more likely to run into issues. There’s a lot going on in there, like the inferior alveolar nerve, which gives feeling to your lower lip, chin and lower teeth.
So, what can you expect?
X-rays – You’ll usually need them first, as your dentist needs to look at what they’re dealing with. This gives them a detailed image, which allows them to decide how the removal should go.
Anaesthetic – You’ll usually stay awake during the procedure, and most wisdom teeth are removed under local anaesthetic, which numbs the area completely while keeping you awake throughout.
If you’re a nervous patient, you could opt for sedation dentistry to ensure you’re nice and calm while you’re in the chair.
Pressure, not pain – You get the same powerful anaesthetic as with something like a root canal. That means you should feel no pain at all. Patients tell us that they feel more pressure being applied than anything else.
Simple or surgical removal – If the tooth is through the gum properly, it usually comes out much like any other extraction. If it’s buried or growing the wrong way, your dentist will need to open the gum up slightly.
Referral if needed – Some wisdom teeth sit too close to a nerve, are deeply impacted, or turn out to be more complicated than the X-ray suggested. In those cases, your dentist will refer you to a hospital specialist.
Stiff & sore – Your mouth will probably feel sore and stiff afterwards. Swelling, tenderness, and difficulty opening your mouth fully are all pretty common for a few days, especially after lower wisdom tooth removal.
You may need a couple of days taking it easy. Some people go back to work the next day, while others need a bit more recovery time.
Eating & drinking – Eating normally can take a little while. Most people stick to softer foods at first because chewing near the extraction site can feel uncomfortable while the area heals.
Going home – If you have sedation, you’ll need somebody with you. Patients who are sedated are usually advised not to drive afterwards and may need someone to take them home. Our article on sedation dentistry tells you more.
Wisdom tooth removal looks completely different from one person to the next. Some come out without much fuss at all, while others involve a much bigger job. Whatever situation you’re in, the right dentist will talk through everything properly and make sure you know what you’re dealing with.
At Ringway Dental, we handle extractions regularly, and our team knows how to deal with all types of cases. Getting you comfortable and keeping you informed throughout is what we’re there for.
If your wisdom teeth are giving you grief or you just want them looked at, get in touch today or book your free online consultation.
Q – Is wisdom tooth removal painful?
A – The procedure itself shouldn’t hurt because the area is fully numbed before anything starts. You’ll probably feel pressure and movement while the tooth comes out, but the real discomfort tends to kick in once the anaesthetic wears off.
Q – How long does it take to recover from wisdom tooth removal?
A – Most people feel significantly better within a few days, though surgical or impacted extractions can take longer to settle down. Swelling and a stiff jaw are pretty normal through the first week.
Q – Can all four wisdom teeth be removed at once?
A – Yes, and plenty of people go down that route rather than coming back multiple times, particularly when more than one tooth is already causing trouble.
Q – Will I need stitches after wisdom tooth removal?
A – Sometimes, especially after surgical or impacted extractions. Dissolvable stitches are the most common option, so there’s nothing to get removed afterwards.
Q – When can I eat normally again?
A – Stick to softer foods for the first few days and build back up as things start feeling more comfortable. Most people are back to eating normally within a week or so.
Q – Do all wisdom teeth need removing?
A – Not at all. If a wisdom tooth has come through cleanly, sits in a good position, and is easy enough to keep clean, there’s no reason to touch it.
