If you’ve been told you need your wisdom teeth removed, one of the first questions you probably have is: how long does wisdom teeth removal take?
The short answer: most wisdom teeth removal procedures take between 30 to 60 minutes.
But your total time at the clinic on surgery day will be a bit longer—and knowing what to expect can help you feel calm, confident, and prepared.
How Long Does Wisdom Teeth Removal Take?
The actual procedure itself is typically quick and efficient.
- Simple cases: 20–40 minutes
- More complex cases (impacted teeth): 45–60 minutes
If all four wisdom teeth are being removed at once, it may take closer to an hour.
At Calgary Oral Surgery Group, our team is highly trained to perform extractions safely and efficiently—while ensuring you are completely comfortable throughout the entire process.
If you want to learn more about how extractions are handled, visit our page on Wisdom Tooth Removal.
What Affects How Long the Surgery Takes?
Not every wisdom tooth removal is the same. A few factors can influence how long your procedure takes:
1. Impacted vs. Erupted Teeth
- Erupted teeth (fully visible): Faster to remove
- Impacted teeth (under the gums): Take longer because a small incision is needed
2. Number of Teeth Removed
Removing one tooth is quicker than removing all four at once.
3. Tooth Position
Teeth that are angled or close to nerves may require more precise, careful work.
What to Expect on Surgery Day
Even though the procedure itself is relatively short, plan to spend about 1.5 to 2 hours total at the clinic.
Here’s what your visit will typically look like:
1. Check-In and Preparation (15–30 minutes)
- Review your health history
- Go over your procedure
- Get settled and comfortable
2. General Anesthesia (5–10 minutes)
At Calgary Oral Surgery Group, almost all wisdom teeth removals are performed under general anesthesia.
This means:
- You are fully asleep during the procedure
- You won’t feel or remember anything
- The experience is smooth and stress-free
This is something both our patients and our team truly love—it allows for a more relaxed experience and helps us complete the procedure efficiently and comfortably.
3. The Procedure (30–60 minutes)
Your oral surgeon will:
- Gently remove the teeth
- Clean the area
- Place stitches if needed
4. Recovery Time in Office (15–30 minutes)
You’ll rest comfortably as you wake up and prepare to go home.
Will I Be Awake During the Procedure?
No—because we use general anesthesia, you will be fully asleep during your wisdom teeth removal.
This is one of the biggest reasons patients feel at ease choosing Calgary Oral Surgery Group. There’s:
- No awareness of the procedure
- No stress during treatment
- No memory of the surgery itself
Does It Feel Long?
Most patients feel like the entire experience is over in what seems like just a few moments.
Because you’re asleep, there’s no sense of time passing during the procedure—which is a huge advantage compared to other methods.
How Long Until I Can Go Home?
You’ll be able to go home the same day, shortly after your procedure.
Keep in mind:
- You’ll need someone to drive you home
- You should plan to rest for the remainder of the day
If you’re preparing for surgery, you may also want to review our guide on what to expect during your visit.
Why Timing Matters Less Than Comfort
While it’s helpful to understand the timing, what truly matters most is:
- Your comfort
- Your safety
- A smooth, stress-free experience
Using general anesthesia allows us to provide a level of comfort and ease that patients consistently appreciate.
At Calgary Oral Surgery Group, our focus is on making your entire experience as seamless as possible—from the moment you walk in to your recovery at home.
As with other types of extractions, timing depends on your specific case and symptoms—not just the procedure itself.
Book Your Wisdom Teeth Consultation in Calgary
If you’ve been told you need your wisdom teeth removed, we’re here to help and now you know the answer to the question “How long does wisdom teeth removal take?”.
📞 Call us at the office nearest you to speak with our team
📩 Contact us online
📅 Book an Appointment today
We proudly serve patients across Calgary and surrounding areas with expert, compassionate care.
