How long does a tooth extraction take?

A simple extraction typically takes 20–40 minutes. A surgical extraction (for a broken or impacted tooth) may take 45–90 minutes. You will be at our office for 1.5–2.5 hours total, including preparation and post-sedation monitoring.

How long is recovery after a tooth extraction?

Most patients feel close to normal within 3–5 days. The extraction site takes 1–2 weeks to fully close and several months for complete bone healing. You will receive detailed post-operative instructions at your appointment.

What is socket preservation and do I need it?

Socket preservation is a bone grafting procedure performed at the time of extraction to prevent bone loss in the empty socket. We recommend it for most patients who may want a dental implant in the future. Without it, the jawbone can shrink significantly within the first year, making implant placement more complicated.

Is it safe to have a tooth pulled under sedation?

Yes. IV sedation is very safe for tooth extractions. Our board-certified surgeons are specially trained and licensed in IV sedation administration and monitoring. Your vital signs are monitored throughout the procedure, and you will be discharged only when fully recovered.

What should I avoid after a tooth extraction?

For at least 24 hours: avoid straws, spitting, smoking, alcohol, and hard or crunchy foods. Do not disturb the blood clot in the socket. These precautions reduce the risk of dry socket. See our full post-operative care instructions page for a complete guide.

How much does a tooth extraction cost in Indianapolis?

In Indianapolis, simple extractions typically cost $150–$300 and surgical extractions $250–$600 per tooth, before insurance and sedation fees. Most dental insurance plans cover 50–80% of medically necessary extractions. We provide a written estimate before treatment.

Can I drive home after a tooth extraction?

Yes if you have only local anesthesia. No if you choose nitrous oxide or IV sedation — you will need a responsible adult driver. We will not release sedated patients to a rideshare service.

What can I eat after a tooth extraction?

For the first 24 hours, stick to cool, soft foods such as yogurt, applesauce, smoothies (no straws), pudding, and lukewarm soups. By day 3 you can usually add scrambled eggs, soft pasta, and mashed potatoes. Return to a normal diet within 1–2 weeks as comfort allows.

Gentle & Expert Care · Tooth Extraction Indianapolis

When Do I Really Need a Tooth Pulled?

Name: Oral Surgeons of Indiana
Address: 8240 Naab Road, Suite 355, Indianapolis, IN, 46260, US
Telephone: (317) 876-1095
Price range: $$$

Professional tooth extraction in Indianapolis by board-certified oral surgeons. Sedation options available. Oral Surgeons of Indiana.

Call (317) 876-1095 Schedule Consultation

Key Facts

20–60 min
typical chair time per extraction.
— OSOI internal data, 2025
1–2 weeks
soft tissue closure of the extraction site.
— AAOMS, 2023
3–6 months
complete bone remodeling under the socket.
— JOMS, 2021
≈60%
of socket bone width can be lost in the first year without grafting.
— JOMS, 2021
Same day
socket preservation grafting can usually be performed at the time of extraction.
— OSOI internal data, 2025

Who Needs This Procedure

Extraction may be needed for severe decay, fracture below the gumline, advanced gum disease loosening the tooth, infection that cannot be resolved by root canal, orthodontic crowding, or impaction. A panoramic X-ray and exam confirm whether saving the tooth is realistic.

What Happens During the Procedure

Consultation and imaging
20–30 min
Your surgeon reviews your X-rays or CBCT scan, confirms the diagnosis, and reviews anesthesia options.
Anesthesia
5–10 min
Local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation is administered to keep you comfortable.
Extraction
20–60 min
The tooth is gently elevated and removed. Surgical extractions may involve a small gum incision and sectioning the tooth.
Socket preservation (optional)
5–10 min
Bone graft material is placed into the socket to maintain bone for a future implant.
Recovery and discharge
15–45 min
You rest until alert, receive written aftercare instructions, and are released to a driver if sedated.

Recovery Timeline

Day 1

Bite on gauze for the first hour. Mild bleeding tapers within hours. Cool, soft foods only.

Watch for: Continuous heavy bleeding after 4 hours of pressure.

Days 2–3

Swelling peaks. Use cold compresses for the first 48 hours, then warm compresses.

Watch for: Fever above 101°F, pus, or expanding swelling.

Days 4–7

Most patients return to work or school. Begin gentle saltwater rinses.

Watch for: New throbbing pain that radiates to the ear (possible dry socket).

Week 2

Soft tissue closure largely complete. Most discomfort resolves.

Months 3–6

Bone remodeling under the socket continues silently.

Risks and Complications

Reported risks include dry socket (1–5% of lower extractions), bleeding requiring extra care (under 2%), infection (under 2%), sinus communication for upper molars (under 1%), and temporary nerve irritation for lower molars (under 1% permanent). — AAOMS clinical guideline, 2023.

How OSOI Does This Differently

Every extraction at OSOI is performed by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, planned with appropriate imaging, and supported by ACLS-certified in-office anesthesia. We routinely offer same-visit socket preservation grafting to keep future implant options open.

Simple vs. surgical tooth extraction
	Simple extraction	Surgical extraction
Tooth condition	Visible above gumline	Broken, decayed, or impacted
Anesthesia typically used	Local	Local, nitrous, or IV sedation
Chair time	20–40 min	45–90 min
Stitches	Rare	Often
Recovery to work	1–2 days	3–5 days
Typical cost (Indianapolis)	$150–$300	$250–$600+

Cost and Insurance

Simple extractions in Indianapolis typically cost $150–$300; surgical extractions $250–$600 per tooth, before sedation. Most dental plans cover medically necessary extractions at 50–80%. Financing is available through CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit — see /oral-surgery-cost-financing.

Procedure Overview

An educational overview of the tooth extraction process — what to expect on the day of your procedure and during recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Procedures

See also our cost and financing guide and IV sedation options.