Red Rose Dentistry performs tooth extractions in Hamilton for all tooth types — from a single loose or damaged tooth to multiple extractions on the same day. Our downtown Hamilton clinic is open 7 days a week including Sundays, with same-day emergency extraction appointments available when you need relief fast.
Book a tooth extraction appointment → | Call (905) 521-2221 | Open 7 days including Sundays
When Is Tooth Extraction Necessary?
Extraction is recommended when a tooth cannot be saved through a filling, crown, or root canal treatment — or when keeping it would create a larger dental or health problem. Common reasons for extraction include:
- Severe decay that has destroyed too much tooth structure to support a crown or filling
- Advanced gum disease (periodontitis) — when bone loss is so severe the tooth is no longer stable
- Vertical tooth fractures — cracks that extend through the root (unfillable, uncrownable)
- Impacted teeth — teeth that are stuck in the jaw and unable to erupt normally (wisdom teeth are the most common, but canines and premolars can also be impacted)
- Overcrowding before orthodontic treatment — strategic removal of a tooth to create space for braces or clear aligners to straighten remaining teeth
- Retained baby teeth — adult teeth that fail to erupt because a baby tooth hasn’t fallen out naturally
- Failed root canal — a tooth where root canal retreatment is not viable
- Dental trauma — a tooth broken at or below the gumline with insufficient remaining structure to restore
We always aim to save teeth where possible. Extraction is the last resort — we’ll tell you honestly if a tooth can be saved with restorative treatment and what that treatment involves before recommending removal.
Types of Tooth Extractions
Simple Extraction
A simple extraction involves a tooth that is visible above the gumline and fully erupted. The tooth is loosened with a dental elevator and removed with forceps in a single motion. Local anaesthetic is used — you feel pressure and movement, but not pain. Most simple extractions take 5–20 minutes.
Surgical Extraction
Surgical extraction is required when a tooth is not fully erupted (impacted), has broken off at the gumline, or has curved/fused roots that make simple removal impossible. A small incision in the gum is made to access the tooth; the tooth may be sectioned (divided) into pieces to simplify removal. Local anaesthetic is always used; sedation is available on request.
Wisdom Tooth Extraction
Wisdom tooth removal is the most common surgical extraction. Third molars frequently grow at angles, become partially or fully impacted, and cause pain, infection, or crowding. For a full guide to wisdom tooth removal specifically, see our wisdom teeth extraction page →
Tooth Extraction Cost in Hamilton
| Extraction Type | Estimated Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Simple extraction (erupted tooth) | $150 – $300 |
| Surgical extraction (impacted / complex) | $300 – $650 |
| Wisdom tooth — simple (erupted) | $200 – $350 per tooth |
| Wisdom tooth — surgical (impacted) | $350 – $700 per tooth |
| All 4 wisdom teeth | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| IV sedation (if requested) | $300 – $600 additional |
Insurance coverage: Most dental plans cover tooth extractions at 50–80% of the fee guide rate. We verify your benefits before treatment. CDCP patients → may receive coverage for extractions depending on the dental condition. In-office payment plans available.
The Extraction Procedure at Red Rose Dentistry
Step 1 — X-ray & Assessment
A digital X-ray confirms the tooth’s root structure, proximity to nerves, and bone density around the tooth. This determines whether a simple or surgical extraction is needed and informs the post-operative care plan.
Step 2 — Anaesthetic
Local anaesthetic is applied to completely numb the area. Most patients are surprised by how comfortable the procedure feels once the area is numb. Nitrous oxide (laughing gas) or oral sedation is available for anxious patients — ask when booking. Learn about sedation options →
Step 3 — Extraction
The tooth is loosened from its socket and removed. For surgical cases, a small gum incision is made first, and the tooth may be sectioned for easier removal. The procedure itself typically takes 5–45 minutes depending on complexity.
Step 4 — Clotting & Initial Healing
Gauze is placed over the socket and you bite down to promote clot formation — the clot is essential for healing and must be protected. We provide detailed written aftercare instructions before you leave.
Step 5 — Tooth Replacement Planning (optional but recommended)
For most extracted teeth outside of wisdom teeth, we discuss tooth replacement options — dental implants, bridges, or partial dentures — to prevent the remaining teeth from shifting. Learn about dental implants →
Aftercare & Recovery
- First 24 hours: Rest. No rinsing, spitting, or using a straw (these can dislodge the blood clot). Soft foods and cold liquids only. Apply a cold pack to the cheek (20 min on, 20 min off) to reduce swelling.
- Days 2–3: Swelling peaks around day 2 and begins to subside. Warm saltwater rinses starting 24 hours after extraction help keep the socket clean.
- Days 4–7: Most patients feel significantly better. Continue soft foods. Avoid smoking throughout healing.
- Warning sign — dry socket: If you experience worsening pain 3–5 days after extraction (not improving), you may have a dry socket (the blood clot has dislodged). Call us immediately — this is treatable and resolves quickly with a medicated dressing.
- Full healing: The gum tissue closes over the socket in 1–2 weeks. Bone fills in over 3–6 months.
Tooth Extraction vs. Root Canal — How We Help You Decide
| Factor | Root Canal + Crown | Tooth Extraction |
|---|---|---|
| Saves the tooth? | ✅ Yes | ❌ No |
| Long-term function | Restored — functions like natural tooth | Requires replacement (implant or bridge) |
| Total cost (incl. replacement) | Lower over 10+ years | Higher when implant or bridge is added |
| Healing time | 1–3 days mild soreness | 3–7 days |
| Best choice when | Tooth is restorable with enough structure remaining | Tooth is non-restorable, severely broken down, or patient choice |
When a tooth is on the edge — neither clearly saveable nor clearly non-restorable — we discuss the cost, timeline, and long-term implications of both options honestly at your appointment. We never recommend extraction when root canal treatment is a viable and reasonable option.
Frequently Asked Questions — Tooth Extraction in Hamilton
Q: How long does a tooth extraction take?
A: Simple extractions take 5–20 minutes. Surgical extractions (impacted teeth, sectioned roots) take 20–45 minutes. Multi-tooth extractions take proportionally longer but are often done in the same appointment.
Q: Will I be in pain during the extraction?
A: With proper local anaesthetic, you should feel pressure and movement but no sharp pain. If you feel anything sharp during the procedure, signal us immediately and we will apply more anaesthetic before continuing.
Q: Can I eat before a tooth extraction?
A: For extractions under local anaesthetic only, eating beforehand is fine. If you have arranged oral sedation, follow the specific pre-operative fasting instructions we provide at booking.
Q: Can I drive myself home after an extraction?
A: If you had local anaesthetic only, yes. If you had oral sedation, you need a driver.
Q: How long until I can eat normally?
A: Soft foods for 48–72 hours. Most patients resume normal diet within 5–7 days. Avoid the extraction site until fully healed when eating chewy or hard foods.
Q: Do I need to replace an extracted tooth?
A: For wisdom teeth — usually no replacement needed. For all other teeth — yes, replacement is strongly recommended. When a tooth is removed, adjacent teeth drift toward the gap over months and years, causing bite problems and bone loss at the extraction site. Options include dental implants, bridges, and partial dentures.
Q: What is a dry socket and how do I avoid it?
A: Dry socket occurs when the blood clot that forms over the extraction site is dislodged, exposing bone and nerve tissue to air. Prevention: no smoking, no using straws, no vigorous rinsing for 24 hours. If dry socket occurs (worsening pain days 3–5), call us — a medicated dressing provides rapid relief.
Related Services
- Emergency Dentist in Hamilton — Same-Day Appointments →
- Wisdom Tooth Extraction — Full Guide →
- Root Canal Treatment — When a Tooth Can Still Be Saved →
- Dental Implants — Permanent Tooth Replacement →
- Dentures in Hamilton — Full, Partial & Implant-Supported →
- Sedation Dentistry — For Anxious Patients →
Tooth pain that needs to come out today? Red Rose Dentistry offers same-day extraction appointments in Hamilton — open 7 days including Sundays. Call (905) 521-2221, WhatsApp us, or book online →