How long does wisdom teeth removal take?

The surgical procedure typically takes 30–90 minutes depending on the number of teeth removed, the level of impaction, and root anatomy. Plan to be at our office approximately 2–3 hours total on the day of surgery, including pre-procedure preparation and post-sedation monitoring.

Is wisdom teeth removal painful?

No. You will not feel pain during the surgery. We use local numbing or IV sedation. With IV sedation, most patients do not remember the surgery. Soreness after surgery is mild to moderate. It is worst on days 2 and 3. Most patients use over-the-counter pain pills.

Do all four wisdom teeth need to be removed at the same time?

In most cases, yes. We remove all four in one visit when we can. That means one surgery and one short recovery. Your surgeon checks your X-rays first. We then build a plan that fits your case.

When can I return to work or school after wisdom teeth removal?

Most desk workers and students go back in 2 to 4 days. People with active jobs need 5 to 7 days off. The mouth heals fully over a few weeks. Most patients feel close to normal in one week.

What is dry socket and how do I prevent it?

Dry socket happens when the blood clot in the socket falls out too soon. The bone is then exposed. Pain gets worse 3 to 5 days after surgery. To help prevent it, do not use straws. Do not spit hard. Do not smoke. Follow our diet rules. Call us right away if you have symptoms.

Do you accept insurance for wisdom teeth removal?

Yes. Most dental plans cover part of the cost. They cover more when the teeth are impacted. We check your plan before your visit. We then send you a cost estimate.

What age is best for wisdom teeth removal?

The AAOMS suggests a check-up by the late teens. Removal is easier when roots are not yet fully formed. The best window is age 16 to 22. Adults of any age can still have it done safely. Risks rise a bit after age 25.

What does wisdom teeth removal cost in Indianapolis without insurance?

Without insurance, the cost in Indianapolis is about $250 to $400 per simple removal. It is $400 to $700 per impacted tooth. IV sedation costs more. Four impacted teeth with sedation cost about $1,500 to $3,000. We send a written estimate first.

Safe & Comfortable Extraction · Wisdom Teeth Removal Indianapolis

Do I Really Need My Wisdom Teeth Removed?

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

Expert wisdom teeth removal by board-certified oral surgeons in Indianapolis. IV sedation, same-day appointments, and affordable care at Oral Surgeons of Indiana.

Call (317) 876-1095 Schedule Consultation

Key Facts

≈85%
of adults will eventually have at least one wisdom tooth removed.
— AAOMS, 2023
30–90 min
typical surgical time for removal of all four wisdom teeth.
— OSOI internal data, 2025
3–5 days
average return to normal daily activities after surgery.
— JOMS, 2022
1–5%
incidence of dry socket after lower third-molar extraction.
— AAOMS clinical guideline, 2023
100%
of OSOI surgeons are board-certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery (ABOMS).
— OSOI internal data, 2025

Who Needs This Procedure

You may need your wisdom teeth removed if they are impacted (trapped under bone or gum), causing pain or infection, damaging adjacent second molars, or unable to be cleaned properly. Your dentist or oral surgeon can confirm with a panoramic X-ray.

What Happens During the Procedure

Consultation and 3D imaging
30–45 min
Your surgeon reviews your medical history and uses a 3D cone beam CT (CBCT) scan to map nerve position, root anatomy, and the safest surgical approach.
Anesthesia
10 min
Local anesthesia, nitrous oxide, or IV sedation is administered by your board-certified surgeon, who is also ACLS-certified and trained in in-office anesthesia.
Extraction
30–90 min total
Each tooth is gently sectioned and removed through the existing socket. Stitches are placed when needed to support healing.
Recovery in our suite
20–45 min
You rest in a private recovery area until you are alert and stable. Written and verbal post-operative instructions are reviewed with you and your driver.
Discharge and follow-up
Day 1 + 1–2 weeks
You are released to a responsible adult who drives you home. A follow-up call the next day and a check-in visit at one to two weeks complete the cycle of care.

Recovery Timeline

Day 1

Bleeding tapers within hours. Swelling begins. Eat soft, cool foods (yogurt, applesauce, smoothies — no straws). Use prescribed pain medication on a schedule.

Watch for: Bleeding that soaks gauze every 30 minutes after the first 4 hours.

Days 2–3

Swelling and jaw stiffness usually peak. Continue cold compresses for the first 24–48 hours, then switch to warm compresses.

Watch for: Fever above 101°F, pus, or sudden severe pain.

Days 4–7

Most patients return to school or desk work. Begin gentle saltwater rinses after 24 hours. Diet expands to soft pasta, eggs, and fish.

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

Week 2

Stitches dissolve or are removed. Most discomfort resolves. You can resume normal exercise.

Weeks 3–6

Sockets continue closing. Bone fills in over the next several months. Brush gently around the surgical sites.

Risks and Complications

Wisdom teeth removal is one of the most studied outpatient surgical procedures. Reported risks include dry socket (1–5% of lower extractions), temporary lip or tongue numbness from inferior alveolar nerve irritation (under 1% permanent), infection (under 2%), and minor sinus communication for upper teeth (under 1%). — AAOMS clinical guideline, 2023.

How OSOI Does This Differently

Every wisdom teeth case at OSOI is planned with 3D cone beam CT imaging, performed by a board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeon, and supported by ACLS-certified anesthesia delivered by the same surgeon — not a separate provider. We have served Central Indiana since 1998 and our three surgeons are diplomates of the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery.

Anesthesia options for wisdom teeth removal
	Local only	Nitrous + local	IV sedation
Awareness during surgery	Fully awake	Awake, very relaxed	Drowsy / no memory
Discomfort during surgery	None — area numb	None — area numb	None — area numb
Recovery time in office	~10 min	15–20 min	30–60 min
Driver required	No	Recommended	Required
Best for	Simple, single tooth	Mild anxiety	All four impacted, anxiety

Cost and Insurance

Most dental insurance plans cover impacted wisdom teeth removal at 50–80%. We verify benefits in advance and provide a written estimate before treatment. For uninsured patients, fees in Indianapolis typically run $1,500–$3,000 for all four impacted teeth with IV sedation. Financing is available through CareCredit, Cherry, and Sunbit — see /oral-surgery-cost-financing for details.

Procedure Overview

A brief overview of what to expect before, during, and after wisdom teeth removal — from the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Procedures

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