When you hear the words molar extraction, it’s natural to feel nervous and wonder, “How long will the procedure take?” Molars are the largest teeth in your mouth and play an important role in chewing. But if a molar becomes decayed, infected, or impacted (like a wisdom tooth), removal may be necessary.
This guide explains everything step by step—the extraction process, how long it takes, what you’ll feel, recovery tips, and emergency extractions. By the end, you’ll know exactly what to expect during a tooth extraction and feel more confident about the procedure.
What Is a Molar Extraction?
A molar extraction is a dental procedure where a dentist or oral surgeon removes a molar tooth from its socket in the jawbone. (1) Extractions are common in both children and adults, often needed for: Molars include:
- First and second molars – permanent teeth located at the back of the mouth.
- Third molars (wisdom teeth) – the last molars that usually appear between ages 17–25.
Dentists recommend molar extraction for several reasons:
- Severe tooth decay or cavities that cannot be fixed with a filling or crown.
- Gum disease or infection that damages the supporting bone.
- Broken or fractured molars beyond repair.
- Wisdom teeth impaction, where teeth remain trapped under the gum or bone.
- Crowding before orthodontic treatment (like braces).
There are two main types of extractions:
- Simple Extraction – Used when the tooth is visible and can be easily loosened with dental tools.
- Surgical Extraction – Required for impacted, broken, or deeply rooted teeth. This is often the case with wisdom teeth or severely damaged molars.
Understanding which type you need helps estimate the time, cost, and recovery period.
How Long Does It Take to Extract a Molar Tooth?
The duration of a molar extraction depends on its complexity (2):
1. Simple Molar Extraction (20–40 minutes):
After numbing the area with local anesthesia, the dentist loosens the tooth using special instruments and gently removes it. The procedure is quick and straightforward.
2. Surgical Molar Extraction (30–60+ minutes):
For impacted or broken molars (often wisdom teeth), the dentist may need to make an incision in the gum, remove small amounts of bone, or section the tooth into pieces. This process takes longer and may require stitches.
Factors That Affect Tooth Extraction Time
Not every extraction is the same. Several factors influence how long it will take:
- Type of Extraction – Simple extractions are faster; surgical ones are more complex.
- Tooth Condition – Decayed, broken, or infected molars may take longer to remove.
- Tooth Location – Back molars, especially wisdom teeth, are harder to access.
- Impaction Level – Impacted teeth under gum or bone require surgical removal.
- Number of Teeth Extracted – Multiple extractions add time for each tooth.
- Age and Health – Older patients or those with conditions like diabetes may require more careful management.
- Dentist’s Expertise – Experienced oral surgeons usually complete the procedure more efficiently.
What Happens During the Molar Extraction Procedure?
Knowing what will happen helps reduce fear. Understanding the step-by-step process helps reduce anxiety:
1. Anesthesia Preparation & Examination
- The dentist reviews your medical history, takes dental X-rays, and explains the treatment plan.
- Local anesthesia is given to numb the area. For surgical extractions or nervous patients, sedation may also be used. If it’s a surgical tooth extraction or multiple teeth are being removed, you may receive sedation or general anesthesia to make you more comfortable.
2. Tooth Extraction
In a simple extraction, the dentist uses special tools to loosen the tooth and gently pull it out.
- In a surgical removal of tooth, a small cut may be made in the gum, bone may be removed, or the tooth may be sectioned into smaller pieces before removal.
- Post-Extraction Care
- You’ll bite on gauze to stop bleeding.
- In some cases, stitches are used to close the gum.
- You’ll receive aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.
- The dentist provides instructions for pain relief, swelling management, and oral hygiene.
Thanks to anesthesia, most patients feel only pressure, not pain, during the procedure.
Does It Hurt to Get a Tooth Pulled?
This is the biggest worry for most patients: “How bad does it hurt to get a tooth pulled?”
- During the procedure: Thanks to anesthesia, you won’t feel pain. Instead, you may feel pressure as the dentist rocks the tooth loose.
- After the procedure: Some soreness, swelling, or bleeding is normal. Pain is usually mild and can be managed with prescribed or over-the-counter medication.
Common search phrases answered:
- Does tooth extraction hurt? → No, you’ll feel pressure but not sharp pain.
- Does getting your teeth pulled hurt afterward? → Only mild discomfort, which improves within a few days.
- Is molar extraction painful? → Not during the procedure, thanks to anesthesia.
Recovery Time After Tooth Extraction
Healing is just as important as the procedure. Recovery is a critical part of the process. Healing depends on whether it was a simple or surgical extraction, but here’s the general timeline:
- First 24–48 hours – Rest, use ice packs, take pain relievers, and avoid smoking or using straws.
- Day 3–7 – Swelling decreases, pain improves, and you can return to light activities. Stick to soft foods.
- 1–2 weeks – Gum tissue heals, and stitches (if any) dissolve or are removed.
- 1–3 months – The socket fills with new bone.
⏱️ Pain usually lasts only 2–3 days, but complete healing can take a few weeks.
Emergency Tooth Extractions – What to Know
If you suddenly need a tooth pulled due to pain or infection, here’s what to expect:
- Many people first go to the ER, but hospitals usually only provide pain relief and antibiotics.
- Dentists or oral surgeons are the ones equipped to actually perform the extraction.
Some clinics (like those with oral and maxillofacial surgeons) can handle emergency molar extractions on the same day.
FAQs About Molar Tooth Extraction
What is a tooth extraction?
A tooth extraction is a dental procedure where a dentist removes a tooth from its socket in the bone. This may be needed due to decay, infection, crowding, or orthodontic treatment (such as 4 teeth extraction for braces). Depending on the case, your dentist may perform a simple extraction or a surgical removal of tooth
Does getting a tooth pulled hurt?
Many patients ask, “Does it hurt to get a tooth pulled?” The good news is that modern tooth extractions are performed under local anesthesia, which numbs the nerves. This means you will feel pressure but not pain. For complex cases like molar extraction, dentists may use sedation or general anesthesia for comfort. {1)
How long does a tooth extraction take?
If you’re having a single tooth removed, the procedure usually takes 20–40 minutes. For multiple teeth extractions, each additional tooth can add 3–15 minutes. A molar extraction or a surgical tooth removal may take longer
How many teeth can be extracted in one day?
Most dentists can safely perform 2–4 teeth extractions in one visit. However, in cases like complete teeth removal or full mouth extraction, the procedure may be done in stages to ensure proper healing and minimize discomfort.
How long does it hurt after a tooth extraction?
After having a tooth pulled, some discomfort is normal. Mild pain and swelling may last 24–72 hours, while tenderness around the extracted molar tooth can remain for a week. If you had a surgical extraction, healing may take 7–10 days. Pain that worsens after day 3 could indicate an issue like dry socket and should be checked by your dentist.
What should I do after getting a tooth pulled?
After a tooth extraction, follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions to heal faster:
- Bite on gauze to stop bleeding.
- Avoid smoking, alcohol, or drinking through a straw.
- Eat soft foods (soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes).
- Keep the extraction site clean but avoid vigorous rinsing for the first 24 hours.
What happens if I need an emergency tooth extraction?
If you need an emergency extraction due to severe tooth pain, infection, or trauma, contact your dentist immediately. Hospitals often provide pain relief but refer you back to a dentist or oral surgeon for the extraction procedure.
Is it safe to remove multiple teeth at once?
Yes, dentists can remove multiple teeth in one visit if necessary (for example, wisdom teeth removal or 4 teeth extraction for braces before and after treatment). Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and may recommend splitting the procedure into multiple sessions for safety.
Disclaimer
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider for personal medical guidance.
References Sources
- American Dental Association – Tooth Extraction Guide – Detailed guidance on molar and tooth extractions, including indications and procedures.
- NIH – Dental Extractions and Recovery – Comprehensive overview of tooth extraction procedures, anesthesia, and healing timelines.
- PubMed – Post-Extraction Pain and Complications – Research on pain, swelling, and complications after molar extraction.
- National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research – Wisdom Tooth Removal – Insights on wisdom teeth extraction, recovery, and care instructions.
