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Safe, comfortable, and gentle.
Tooth Removal Made Simple
Are you experiencing severe tooth pain or wisdom tooth discomfort? You don’t have to “tough it out.”
At 16th Avenue Dental, we understand that the thought of having a tooth pulled can feel overwhelming. Whether you have a damaged tooth that cannot be saved or an impacted wisdom tooth causing pressure, our priority is to get you out of pain quickly and comfortably.
Located conveniently on 16 Avenue NW, our team – led by Dr. My Le – specializes in gentle, patient-first care. We combine modern freezing techniques with compassionate service (including massage chairs) to ensure your experience is as stress-free as possible.
⚠️ Emergency Care Available: If you are in extreme pain, we offer Same-Day Emergency Appointments for Calgary patients. Please call us immediately at 403-282-9141.
Do You Need a Tooth Extraction?
At 16th Avenue Dental, we prioritize saving your natural tooth. We only recommend extraction when a tooth is non-restorable – meaning it is too damaged to be fixed with a filling, crown, or root canal.
Common reasons we may recommend tooth removal include:
- Severe Tooth Decay: When cavities extend deep into the pulp (nerve) and destroy too much of the tooth structure to support a crown.
- Dental Infection & Abscess: If an infection at the root tip cannot be cured with antibiotics or a root canal, the tooth must be removed to prevent the bacteria from spreading to your jaw or bloodstream.
- Fractured or Broken Teeth: Accidents or trauma can cause vertical cracks that go below the gum line. In these cases, the tooth cannot be saved.
- Advanced Gum Disease (Periodontal Disease): When gum disease damages the bone supporting the tooth, it may become loose and painful, requiring removal.
- Orthodontic Crowding: Sometimes, healthy teeth are removed to create space for braces, allowing your orthodontist to straighten your smile effectively.
💡 Root Canal vs. Extraction: Many patients ask, “Can’t you just save it?” If the tooth has a good prognosis, we may suggest Root Canal Therapy to remove the infection while keeping your natural tooth. We will always discuss every option with you before proceeding.
Types of Tooth Extractions at 16th Avenue Dental
Simple Tooth Extractions for Damaged or Loose Teeth
A simple extraction is for visible teeth with straightforward roots-the most common type performed by general dentists.
The Procedure: We start with powerful local anesthesia to fully numb the area. Then, using elevators and forceps, we gently loosen and lift the tooth instead of “pulling,” minimizing trauma to the surrounding tissue.
Can We Remove Wisdom Teeth? Yes. If your wisdom teeth are fully erupted (grown in straight and fully visible), we can remove them right here at 16th Avenue Dental.
- The Benefit: Dealing with erupted wisdom teeth in our clinic is often more convenient and cost-effective than seeing a specialist.
When We Recommend Surgical Extractions or Specialist Referral
A surgical extraction is required for teeth that are impacted (trapped), broken at the gum line, or have complex roots. This procedure may involve lifting the gum or removing a small amount of bone.
Our “Safety-First” Approach: We handle many surgical cases in-house, but we prioritize your safety. If X-rays show high risks (like nerves near the roots) or if you need IV Sedation, we will refer you to a trusted Calgary Oral Surgeon.
What to Expect at Your Appointment
Examination & Planning
Safety comes first. We start with a comprehensive dental exam and review your medical history (especially for blood thinners). High-definition digital X-rays allow us to visualize the roots and create a safe, personalized treatment plan before asking for your consent.
Numbing & Gentle Removal
We apply a topical numbing gel followed by local anesthetic to ensure the area is completely “frozen.”
You may feel pressure (pushing or rocking) during the procedure, but you should not feel sharp pain. We perform a “comfort check” before starting and will stop immediately to add more anesthetic if you feel discomfort.
Instructions & Follow-Up
We never send you home confused. We place fresh gauze to control bleeding and provide a recovery pack with extra supplies and a detailed aftercare sheet (covering diet and pain meds). You will leave with our direct contact number in case you have questions at home.
Healing and Aftercare: Recovering Safely After a Tooth Extraction
Proper aftercare is vital for a fast recovery. Your primary goal is to protect the blood clot that forms in the socket, which acts as a natural bandage for the healing bone.
The First 24–72 Hours
- Rest & Medicate: Go home and rest with your head elevated. Take pain medication as directed before the freezing wears off.
- Manage Swelling: Apply ice packs to your cheek (20 minutes on, 20 minutes off) to reduce inflammation.
No Smoking: Do not smoke or vape for at least 72 hours. The chemicals and suction can slow healing and cause infection.
Eating, Drinking and Cleaning
- Soft Food Diet: Stick to cool, soft foods like yogurt, pudding, and lukewarm soup. Avoid anything crunchy, spicy, or hot.
- The “No Straw” Rule: Do not use straws. The suction can dislodge the blood clot and cause severe pain.
- Gentle Hygiene: Brush your other teeth carefully, avoiding the extraction site.
Salt Water Rinse: After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water after meals to keep the area clean. Do not spit forcefully.
⚠️ Dry Socket Warning Signs
Complications like Dry Socket (Alveolar Osteitis) occur if the blood clot dissolves or dislodges. Call 16th Avenue Dental at 403-282-9141 if you experience:
- Radiating Pain: Throbbing that spreads to your ear or neck (often 3-5 days later).
- Bad Taste: A persistent foul taste or odor in your mouth.
- Signs of Infection: Fever, chills, or swelling that worsens after day three.
Replacing a Missing Tooth After Extraction
Removing the tooth eliminates pain, but leaving a gap can cause your remaining teeth to shift. We can help you plan for a seamless replacement.
Dental Implants
The only option that replaces the actual tooth root, stimulating bone preservation. A titanium post topped with a custom crown. Ask Dr. Le if you are a candidate.
Dental Bridges
A fixed solution that uses neighboring teeth to anchor a replacement tooth, closing the gap in your smile effectively.
Partial Dentures
An affordable, removable denture that replaces one or more missing teeth to restore aesthetics and function.
Meet Your NW Calgary Tooth Extraction Dentist
Dr. My Le
Dr. My Le is a general dentist dedicated to making tooth removals as stress-free as possible. With a focus on gentle dentistry and patient education, she ensures you understand every step of your care before it begins.
- A “Patient-First” Approach: Dr. Le takes the time to listen to your concerns, using modern freezing techniques and a compassionate touch to minimize anxiety.
- Locally Focused: Proudly serving families in NW Calgary and surrounding communities.
- Committed to Transparency: Dr. Le believes in clear communication-from explaining your X-rays to ensuring you understand the costs based on the Alberta Dental Fee Guide.
FAQs About Tooth Extractions
How do I know if I really need a tooth extraction?
We always prioritize saving your natural tooth. We typically recommend extraction only when a tooth is “non-restorable” – meaning it is too damaged by decay, trauma, or gum disease to be fixed with a filling or crown. We use digital X-rays to confirm if removal is the healthiest option for you.
Is a tooth extraction painful?
No, the procedure itself should not be painful. We use powerful local anesthesia to completely numb the area before we begin. You may feel a sensation of pressure or pushing as the tooth is loosened, but you should not feel sharp pain.
How long does it take to recover after a tooth extraction?
Most patients feel “back to normal” within 48 to 72 hours. However, the socket itself takes a few weeks to fully heal. You should plan to rest for the rest of the day following your appointment and avoid strenuous activity for at least 2-3 days.
How much does a tooth extraction cost in Calgary?
The cost varies depending on the complexity of the tooth (e.g., a simple loose tooth vs. an impacted wisdom tooth). At 16th Avenue Dental, we follow the Alberta Dental Fee Guide to ensure our prices are fair and standard. We can provide a precise quote and send a pre-authorization to your insurance provider before treatment.
What can I eat after my tooth is removed?
For the first few days, stick to a soft food diet. Good options include yogurt, lukewarm soup, pudding, mashed potatoes, and smoothies. Important: Do not use a straw, as the suction can cause a painful condition called Dry Socket.
When should I call the dentist after an extraction?
Call us immediately at 403-282-9141 if you experience uncontrollable bleeding, severe swelling that worsens after 3 days, fever, or a throbbing pain that radiates to your ear (a sign of Dry Socket).