Teeth Whitening

 Is Tooth Extraction Painful? The Procedure and Aftercare

Get insights on tooth extractions in Calgary SW and what to expect from it.


Paper cutout of a smiling ghost and floss pick on a pink background, shaped like a tooth

The prospect of a tooth extraction might seem scary, but in fact, this dental procedure can help you go from pain to comfort while preventing further complications. A tooth extraction in Calgary’s SW may be necessary if you have wisdom tooth problems, alignment issues, or severely damaged teeth. Getting the help that you need is just a dentist’s call away.

Further Reasons You May Need a Tooth Extraction

An honest and Certified dentist will only choose to remove teeth when absolutely necessary. Maybe you:

  • Have a fractured tooth
  • Your tooth has become impacted
  • Your teeth are crowded
  • Notice an extreme cavity
  • Have a dental injury

These are all reasons to get to the dentist quickly. Oral health issues can cause pain due to root exposure, decay, or pressure from surrounding teeth. Further health problems can also arise when these things occur. You may lose a tooth due to decay, require a crown or need dental surgery depending on the severity of your problem.

What Happens When You Go to the Dentist for a Tooth Extraction?

An exam and dental X-ray are the first steps in assessing your situation. This tells the dentist the level of damage. They will ask you about any medications you are taking to ensure nothing interferes with your procedure.

You will be given sedation to numb the area so that you are comfortable during treatment.

Depending on your situation you will have either a:

  • Simple Extraction – After being given an anesthetic, your tooth is loosened with a dental tool called an elevator. Forceps are then used to take it out of its socket. This usually happens when your tooth is still visible above your gums.
  • Surgical Extraction – IV and local anesthesia are sometimes used together to numb the area being worked on. You might be put to sleep during treatment. The dentist will cut into your gums and surrounding bone may be removed. Removing the remainder of your tooth and often an antibiotic will help prevent further infection. This typically happens when your tooth is severely impacted.

Allow time for recovery after your tooth extraction in Calgary’s SW.

Close-up of a dental cavity in a molar tooth on a pink background

Recovery from Tooth Extraction

A list of dos and things to avoid will be given to you after your tooth has been removed. Here are some of the things that will be mentioned.

  • Ice Pack – Ice the exterior of your mouth near the extraction area the following day for 15-20 minutes allowing 10-minute breaks in between. This will help lessen the swelling before you go to bed.
  • Keep Clean – Never brush or floss the day of treatment. The day after you should start keeping your mouth clean normally. Just be extra careful when doing so. This keeps the area from getting an infection.
  • Relax – Get enough sleep and rest during the day, avoiding any strenuous activity for about a week so you don’t dislodge a blood clot. This can be extremely painful and require emergency dental treatment.

It can take anywhere between two to four weeks to fully recover from an extraction, but you should start to heal within a few days.

What are the Risks of Tooth Extraction?

Though rare, as with anything, tooth extraction carries risks. These may be nerve injury or nasal congestion. If you experience something like this, you should contact your dentist right away. They will help get everything back to normal.

Reasons to Call for Emergency Dental:

  • Excessive bleeding for more than 12 hours
  • Extreme fever and chills
  • Pain in your chest, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing
  • Continual nausea or vomiting
  • Pus, swelling, or redness at the surgical site

Tooth Extraction Cost in Calgary

The cost of a tooth extraction will vary depending on:

  • Complexity of the extraction
  • Type of anesthesia required

The geographic location of your dentist and the specifics of their clinic may also affect the cost of this dental service. You should always talk to your dentist about fees ahead of time. Often, they can help you come up with a payment plan. Your insurance may also cover some of the cost. It helps to be prepared with information before going in for tooth extraction.

The Dental Procedure for You

Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure which is typically quick, often taking only 30 minutes. At Glenbrook Dental, tooth extraction in Calgary’s SW is something we are extremely familiar with. You can ask us anything you wish before, during, and after your treatment. We always want you to feel comfortable.