Teeth Extractions

Teeth Extractions: What You Need to Know

Teeth Extractions

Hearing you need a tooth pulled isn’t something anyone looks forward to—but you’re in the right place. At Sunridge Oral Surgery, we’re here to make the process smooth, safe, and as stress-free as possible.

Whether it’s due to damage, infection, crowding, or preparation for other dental work, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

Common Reasons for Tooth Removal

You might need a tooth extracted if:

  • It’s badly decayed or broken and can’t be saved
  • It’s infected and not responding to root canal therapy
  • There’s crowding or not enough room in your mouth (often for braces)
  • You have advanced gum disease that’s affecting the bone
  • A baby tooth isn’t falling out in time for an adult tooth to come in

No matter the reason, extractions are common and often the first step toward better oral health.

Will It Hurt?

This is the #1 question we get—and the honest answer is: not during the procedure. We use local anesthesia (and sedation options if needed) to keep you completely comfortable. Afterward, some discomfort and swelling are normal, but we’ll give you clear instructions and medication to help you feel better fast.

What’s the Recovery Like?

Most patients bounce back quickly. You’ll likely feel drowsy the day of your procedure and sore for a few days after. We’ll send you home with instructions to help you heal properly—like how to manage bleeding, what to eat, and how to avoid dry socket. (We’ll also give you a direct line to call if you need us!)

Nervous About the Procedure?

You’re not alone—and you’re not “too old” or “too anxious” to get through it. Many of our patients feel worried before their visit, and nearly all of them leave saying, “That wasn’t nearly as bad as I thought it would be.”

We’ll talk through your options, answer every question, and take things at your pace.

Want to Learn More?

If you’re the type who likes to dive deeper, visit the Calgary Oral Surgery Group’s Tooth Extraction Page for more info on why extractions are needed and what the full process looks like.

Let’s Make a Plan That Works for You

If you’re facing a tooth extraction, we’re here to help you feel confident and supported—not rushed or overwhelmed. Call Sunridge Oral Surgery to schedule your consultation. We’ll figure out the best approach together.

Pre-Operative Instructions (Sedation/General Anesthesia)

Extraction (removal) of teeth may be necessary if broken, damaged, decayed, or loose teeth cannot be saved. If a tooth is broken or damaged beyond repair, a filling, crown or treatment may not be enough to save the tooth. Sometimes, baby teeth or overcrowding teeth may need to be extracted to make space for proper dental care.

Infected teeth of patients receiving cancer drugs may have a weakened immune system, that requires extraction of teeth. Also, patients may be at high risk of infections that may develop from organ transplant surgeries, as a result from medications that could suppress the immune system. In these cases, certain teeth might be a source of infection that need to be removed for preventative care.

Your doctor will determine if teeth extraction is necessary and discuss why this option would be needed for proper treatment for your oral health.

All patients undergoing a general anesthetic or intravenous sedation, please read the following information carefully.

Before Surgery

  1. DO NOT eat any food after midnight on the night before your surgery.
  2. DO NOT drink any fluids, including water, after midnight the night before surgery.
  3. DO NOT smoke or consume alcohol for 24 hours before surgery.
  4. Patients taking birth control medications please be advised that its effectiveness may be reduced when taking antibiotics.

Failure to comply with these instructions can jeopardize your well-being prior to surgery and your surgery MAY BE CANCELLED.

Surgery Day Instructions

  1. Any medications provided by the clinic or taken on a routine basis that have been approved by your doctor can be taken with a SMALL SIP of water only prior to surgery.
  2. A responsible adult must accompany you to the office, be prepared to stay and take you home and remain with you until you have recovered from the effects of the anesthetic. You are considered legally impaired and CAN NOT drive for 24hrs after receiving anesthesia. PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU DO NOT HAVE A RIDE ON SURGERY DAY, YOUR SURGERY MAY BE CANCELLED.
  3. Shower, brush your teeth and put on comfortable clean clothing (preferably dark colours) which should include a short sleeved shirt.
  4. DO NOT wear makeup, nail polish, contact lenses. Remove any tongue, nose or lip jewellery.
  5. Asthmatic patients: please bring your inhalers.
  6. Diabetic patients: please bring your insulin and glucometer if available. Please check your blood glucose prior to the procedure.

Please note that we do our best to stay on schedule. Due to the unpredictable nature of surgery, your appointment time is an approximation and you may be waiting 1-2 hours. If we are running late, it is because the patient ahead of you has been given additional time and attention to ensure a successful surgery. The same consideration will be given to you in a similar situation. Your patience and understanding is greatly appreciated.

Post-Operative Instructions for Surgical Extractions

Teeth Extraction Procedures Instructions