Simple tooth extractions at Lambton Dental
When a tooth cannot be saved or is causing problems for the teeth around it, a simple extraction removes it gently under local anaesthetic. At Lambton Dental in West Toronto, the dentist takes time to explain why extraction is being recommended, what to expect during healing and how the tooth can be replaced if needed.
What is a simple tooth extraction?
A simple, or non-surgical, extraction is used for a tooth that is visible in the mouth and can be removed with instruments through the socket, without needing to be sectioned or to have gum tissue lifted. Local anaesthetic numbs the tooth and the surrounding gum, the ligament that holds the tooth in place is gently loosened, and the tooth is lifted out of its socket.
Simple extractions are one of the more common procedures in general dentistry and are usually straightforward. Where a tooth is broken below the gumline, badly decayed, has fused roots or is impacted, a surgical extraction may be needed instead, and the dentist will explain the difference before treatment.
When a simple extraction is the right choice
Removing a tooth is usually a last-resort recommendation, and is considered when:
- Decay or a fracture has damaged the tooth beyond what a filling, crown or root canal can reliably save.
- Severe gum disease has loosened a tooth so much that it cannot be stabilised.
- A baby tooth is not falling out on its own and is blocking the adult tooth underneath.
- Crowding needs to be relieved as part of an orthodontic plan and the orthodontist has requested an extraction.
- A painful or infected tooth is not restorable and needs to be removed to relieve symptoms and prevent the infection from spreading.
If a tooth can reasonably be saved, the dentist will say so honestly and review restorative options with you before recommending extraction. Where the tooth is a wisdom tooth or requires surgical removal, that is billed separately.
What to expect during a simple extraction at Lambton Dental
Review and X-rays
The dentist examines the tooth and takes a digital X-ray so the roots and surrounding bone can be seen, then discusses why extraction is being recommended and what alternatives, if any, are available.
Medical and medication review
We confirm any health conditions, allergies and medications, since some can affect bleeding or healing, and adjust the plan accordingly.
Comfort and freezing
The tooth and surrounding gum are numbed with local anaesthetic. Sedation is available if you would like it, and we make sure the area is fully frozen before starting.
Loosening and removal
The ligament that holds the tooth in place is gently loosened, and the tooth is lifted out with instruments. Pressure, not sharp pain, is what most patients feel.
Cleaning the socket
The socket is cleaned to remove any residual infection, and gauze is placed so a clot can form. In some cases the dentist may place a small dissolvable material to help preserve the shape of the bone.
Aftercare instructions
You leave with clear guidance on bleeding, eating, oral hygiene and any medication, along with a plan to review the site and, if relevant, discuss replacing the tooth.
Nitrous oxide, oral sedation and IV sedation are available for anxious patients; the dentist reviews your health history first. See our sedation options page for more.
Healing after your extraction
A blood clot forms in the socket in the hours after the extraction, and protecting that clot is the most important part of early healing. Bite gently on the gauze for about 30 minutes and change it as needed until any bleeding slows. For the first 24 hours, avoid rinsing forcefully, spitting, drinking through a straw, smoking and hot foods, and rest with your head slightly elevated. Cool compresses on the outside of the face help reduce swelling.
Most patients manage discomfort well with over-the-counter pain relief and any medication the dentist prescribes. Eat soft, cool foods on the other side, drink plenty of water and start gentle salt-water rinses after the first day. Persistent, throbbing pain a few days after the extraction can be a sign of dry socket, which is easily treated at a short visit, so please contact us. Once the site has settled, the dentist can review replacement options such as a single-tooth implant, a bridge or a partial denture so a plan can be made.
Cost, insurance, and CDCP / IFHP coverage
The cost of a simple extraction depends on the tooth involved and the complexity of the removal. The dentist provides a written estimate before treatment, and financing is available for treatment plans that need it.
We accept all major Canadian dental insurance carriers and direct-bill wherever your plan allows, so you pay only your portion at the visit. Most plans cover simple extractions under basic services. Lambton Dental is also a provider for the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) and the Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP); coverage depends on your eligibility and the services provided, and we will confirm what applies before your appointment.
For patients without insurance, our payment options page explains billing openly.
For larger treatment plans, monthly payment plans through a third-party financing partner are available on approved credit — ask at your consultation or see our payment options.
Why patients choose Lambton Dental for extractions
- The dentist explains honestly when a tooth can still be saved and only recommends extraction when it is the right option.
- Comfort is a priority: topical numbing, careful freezing and, for anxious patients, sedation options are available after a health review.
- Replacement options are reviewed after the site has healed so you have a clear written plan if you want the tooth replaced.
- Same-day emergency appointments are available for painful or infected teeth — see emergency care.
- We direct-bill CDCP, IFHP and major insurance carriers wherever your plan allows.
- Our team serves patients in English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, Punjabi, Urdu, Tagalog, Vietnamese, Ukrainian, Mandarin and Cantonese.
Related services
Frequently asked questions about tooth extractions
Does having a tooth pulled hurt?
The tooth and surrounding gum are numbed with local anaesthetic, so most patients feel pressure rather than pain during the extraction itself. Sedation is available if you would like it. Some tenderness and mild swelling for a few days afterwards is normal, and most patients manage well with over-the-counter pain relief and any medication the dentist provides.
How long does it take to recover from an extraction?
The gum usually closes over the socket within a couple of weeks, and the bone continues to remodel underneath for several months. Most patients feel comfortable enough to return to normal activity within a day or two, though it is sensible to avoid heavy exercise, smoking and straws for the first 24 hours to protect the clot.
What is a dry socket, and how do I avoid it?
Dry socket happens when the protective blood clot is disturbed too early, leaving bone exposed. It causes a distinctive throbbing pain a few days after the extraction that does not respond to normal pain relief. Avoiding straws, spitting, smoking and forceful rinsing for the first 24 hours reduces the risk. If it happens, it is easily treated at a short visit.
When can I eat normally after an extraction?
Soft, cool foods on the other side are gentlest for the first day — think yogurt, mashed potatoes, eggs and smoothies eaten with a spoon, not a straw. Chewing gradually returns to the extraction side over the following week as the gum heals. Very hot, crunchy or sticky foods are avoided until the socket has closed.
Do I need to replace the extracted tooth?
It depends on which tooth was removed and what your bite and smile need. Missing back teeth can cause the remaining teeth to shift and the opposite tooth to over-erupt over time, and missing front teeth affect appearance and speech. The dentist reviews options — implant, bridge or partial denture — after the site has healed, without pressure.
Are extractions covered by CDCP or IFHP?
Simple extractions are typically covered under basic services in both the Canadian Dental Care Plan and the Interim Federal Health Program, subject to your eligibility and the specific procedure codes. We confirm what applies to you and any co-payment before your appointment.
Can I drive home after my extraction?
If only local anaesthetic was used, most patients can drive home safely once the appointment is finished. If oral or IV sedation was used, you must have a responsible adult drive you home and, ideally, stay with you for the rest of the day. This is confirmed when the appointment is booked.
Book an extraction assessment
Book online or call (416) 666-3700 to arrange an assessment. Same-day emergency appointments are available for painful or infected teeth. The dentist will examine the tooth, review your options and provide a written estimate before any treatment is booked.
CDCP welcome
We welcome patients covered under the Canadian Dental Care Plan and can help you understand what's covered.
Learn about CDCP →IFHP welcome
We are registered to treat patients under the Interim Federal Health Program and bill Medavie Blue Cross directly.
Learn about IFHP →Direct billing
We bill all major Canadian dental insurance carriers directly, so you pay only what your plan does not cover.
How direct billing works →