Wisdom teeth removal
A typical case, in 6 steps over 2 visits. Typically 3 to 5 days of rest; bleeding, pain and swelling ease within a week, and the sockets can take more than a month to heal. Every step names its source.
Not yet reviewed by a licensed clinician. Every step names its source.
Wisdom teeth removal · Visit 1
Consultation and X-rays
The oral surgeon checks the wisdom teeth and takes X-rays to see exactly where they sit, and goes over medicines and options for staying comfortable.
Source: clevelandclinic.org
Steps in a typical case
Consultation and X-rays
The oral surgeon checks the wisdom teeth and takes X-rays to see exactly where they sit, and goes over medicines and options for staying comfortable.
Visit 1 · Source 1
Numbing or sedation
The teeth and gums are numbed with anesthesia; a sedative may also be given to help with relaxing.
Visit 2 · Source 1
Opening the gum
If a tooth is trapped in the gum or jawbone, a small cut in the gum exposes it.
Visit 2 · Source 1
Removing the tooth
The tooth is loosened and lifted from its socket, sometimes in sections to make removal easier.
Visit 2 · Source 1
Cleaning and stitches
The area is cleaned, and stitches close the site if needed.
Visit 2 · Source 1
Gauze
Gauze is placed over the socket to slow bleeding.
Visit 2 · Source 1
Typical trade-offs
| Visits | Typically a consultation, then the removal itself, which takes about an hour or less. Source 1 |
|---|---|
| Time to final result | Typically 3 to 5 days of rest; bleeding, pain and swelling ease within a week, and the sockets can take more than a month to heal. Source 1 |
| How long it lasts | Lifespan does not apply; the teeth are typically gone for good once removed. Source 1 |
| Upkeep | Typical upkeep while healing: soft foods, warm salt-water rinses from day 4, no straws, and brushing and flossing the other teeth while avoiding the sockets. Source 1 |
Figures for a typical case from the sources below. A dentist can say how a given case differs.
Questions to ask your dentist
- The typical case takes 2 visits. How many would I need, and what happens at each one?
- What are my other options, including waiting, and what happens if I wait?
- How long does it usually last in a case like mine, and what upkeep will it need?
- Will it hurt, and what can I eat or do while it heals?
- What will it cost me, and will my insurance cover it? Ask which billing codes apply (the typical case uses D7220, D7230, D7240).
- How many of these have you done, and who would do mine?
Sources
- Wisdom teeth removal. Cleveland Clinic. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22119-wisdom-teeth-removal. Accessed November 14, 2026.
Osler Press procedure library, version 2026.11.0. Billing codes for the typical case: D7220, D7230, D7240.