Tooth Extractions

Tooth Extractions, Including Wisdom Teeth Removal

NW Calgary’s Choice for Safe Tooth Extractions!

At Luna Dental, we prioritize preserving your natural teeth whenever possible. However, when tooth extractions, including wisdom teeth removal, are necessary, our skilled team is here to provide compassionate, expert care in a comfortable environment.

Why Do Teeth Need to Be Extracted?

Tooth extractions are only recommended when they are the best option for your oral health. Some common reasons include:

Severe Decay: When a tooth is damaged beyond repair.
Advanced Gum Disease: When teeth lose their supportive structure.
Cracked or Broken Teeth: If the damage extends below the gum line and cannot be restored.
Orthodontic Treatment: To make space for proper alignment.
Wisdom Teeth Issues: Wisdom teeth often need removal due to:
- Lack of space in the jaw.
- Partial eruption, leading to gum infections.
- Impacted teeth, pressing against neighbouring teeth or causing discomfort.
- Risk of cavities or gum disease in hard-to-reach areas.

Will a Tooth Extraction Hurt?

We understand that dental procedures can feel intimidating, especially tooth extractions. At Luna Dental, we focus on making the experience as pain-free as possible. With proper anesthesia and sedation options, you won’t feel pain during the procedure. You may experience mild pressure as the tooth is carefully removed, but we ensure your comfort at every step.

What to Expect After Tooth or Wisdom Teeth Removal

After your extraction, including wisdom teeth removal, healing is straightforward with the proper care. Here’s what you can expect:

Healing Process: A socket will remain where the tooth was removed. The area will begin to heal within days, with full closure taking a few weeks.
Pain Management: Some discomfort and swelling are normal. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen, can help manage symptoms.
Bleeding: Light bleeding may occur for up to 48 hours.

When to Seek Attention

If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact us immediately:

Severe or uncontrolled bleeding.
Intense pain that persists or worsens 3–4 days post-extraction.
Swelling or infection around the extraction site.
Difficulty opening your mouth (trismus).
Numbness or tingling that continues after the anesthesia wears off.

Post-Extraction Care Tips

For a smooth recovery, follow these care instructions:

Avoid rinsing, spitting, or smoking for 24 hours.
Stick to soft foods like yogurt, soup, and applesauce. Avoid chewing near the extraction site.
Do not use straws or create suction in your mouth, which can dislodge the blood clot.
Gently replace gauze every 30 minutes or use a wet tea bag to help reduce bleeding.
Keep your head elevated to minimize swelling.

Wisdom Teeth Removal Aftercare

Wisdom teeth extractions may require additional care:

Cold Compress: Apply to your cheek to reduce swelling.
Saltwater Rinses: After 24 hours, gently rinse with warm salt water to keep the area clean.
Avoid Hard or Crunchy Foods: Stick to soft, easy-to-eat meals until healing progresses.

How Tooth Extraction Can Be Beneficial

At Luna Dental, we’re here to make tooth extractions NW Calgary and wisdom teeth extractions as smooth and stress-free as possible. Your comfort and oral health are our top priorities. Contact us with any concerns or to book a consultation.

Book Your Appointment Today!

Visit Luna Dental to schedule your consultation for tooth and wisdom teeth extractions in NW Calgary. Let us help you maintain a healthy, pain-free smile!

FAQs About Tooth Extractions, Including Wisdom Teeth

How long will it take for my wisdom tooth removal or other tooth extraction to heal?

Healing after a tooth extraction typically takes 7 to 10 days, but this can vary depending on factors such as:

The complexity of the extraction.
Your overall health and oral hygiene.
How closely you follow post-operative care instructions.

During the first 24 hours, you may experience minor bleeding or swelling. A crucial part of healing is the formation of a blood clot at the extraction site. To protect this blood clot and promote healing, avoid:

Forceful rinsing.
Eating hard or crunchy foods.
Using straws.
Smoking.

Most discomfort can be managed with over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol). For complex cases, a prescription for stronger pain relief may be provided.

If you experience severe or prolonged pain, swelling, excessive bleeding, fever, or any other concerning symptoms, contact our office immediately.

What is a dry socket?

A dry socket occurs when the blood clot at the extraction site becomes dislodged or fails to form. This typically happens 2 to 4 days after the extraction and can result in:

Pain at the extraction site.
Pain radiating to nearby teeth, the jaw, ear, or chin.

Factors that may increase your risk of dry socket include:

Older age.
Difficult extractions.
Tobacco use.
Accidental disruption of the blood clot.

Dry sockets can delay healing and cause significant discomfort. If you suspect you have a dry socket, contact our office promptly for treatment.

How much does a wisdom tooth extraction cost?

The cost of wisdom tooth extractions varies based on the complexity of the procedure and your dental insurance plan. To help you plan, we can submit a pre-determination to your dental insurer. This process:

Provides an estimate of your out-of-pocket costs.
Helps determine your available insurance coverage.

Our team can assist you in submitting the request and answer any questions about the process.

Do I need to be sedated for wisdom tooth extractions?

Not necessarily. Many patients tolerate wisdom tooth extractions with local anesthesia alone. However, if you feel anxious or prefer additional comfort, we offer:

Oral sedation: A medication taken before the procedure to help you relax.
IV sedation: A deeper level of sedation is administered through an intravenous line.

For more details, visit our Sedation Dentistry page or contact us to discuss your options.

Is having your wisdom teeth removed painful?

No, the extraction itself should not be painful. Before the procedure, our dentist will administer local anesthesia to numb the area. While you may feel some pressure as the tooth is removed, you should not feel pain.

After the extraction, mild discomfort is normal as the anesthesia wears off. This can usually be managed with over-the-counter pain relievers. In cases of complex extractions, prescription medication may be provided for additional relief.

Will my dental insurance cover a tooth extraction?

Coverage for tooth extractions depends on your dental insurance plan. Factors that may impact coverage include:

The terms of your plan.
Whether you’ve reached your annual maximum benefit.

To confirm your coverage, we can submit a pre-determination request to your insurer. Our team is here to help make the process smooth and stress-free.

Can I use the Canada Dental Benefit Program to cover tooth extraction?

Yes. The Canada Dental Benefit Program generally includes tooth extractions as part of its covered services. This can help reduce the out-of-pocket cost of your procedure.

If you have questions about eligibility or coverage, contact our office for assistance.

If you have any additional questions or would like to schedule your appointment, call us today! At Luna Dental, we’re here to make your tooth extraction experience as smooth and comfortable as possible.