Preserve or remove · Findings first
Tooth Extractions in Downtown Calgary
A damaged, painful, or compromised tooth does not automatically need to be removed. An examination and clinically useful records help determine whether retaining the tooth, tooth removal, or taking another path deserves consideration.
- Your dentist
- Dr. Michael Wu, General Dentist
- Hours
- Open from 7 AM on weekdays
- Insurance
- Direct billing, most plans
- Fees
- Explained before treatment begins
Pain, swelling, injury, something broken, or a lost filling or crown?
For current pain, swelling, injury, bleeding, or worsening symptoms: Call (403) 313-3000 during clinic hours for current urgent availability.
If symptoms feel life-threatening, call 911.
Start with why the tooth is being assessed
Removal may enter the discussion when a tooth has extensive decay or damage, a fracture, an infection-related concern, reduced support, repeated problems, or a role in a broader treatment plan. A person may also want to compare removal with further restorative or root canal care. None of these situations determines the recommendation without an examination.
Call for current pain, swelling, injury, bleeding, a newly broken tooth, or symptoms that are getting worse. Do not wait for a routine form response.
The findings define which options deserve discussion
Dr. Wu reviews the concern, relevant health and dental history, symptoms, the tooth, nearby teeth and tissues, existing dental work, support, and bite. Records or imaging may be recommended when they are clinically useful. The goal is to understand both the tooth and the consequences of each reasonable next step.
- Condition of the toothThe examination considers decay, damage, fracture, existing restorations, the tooth's roots, and how much usable structure remains.
- Pulp and surrounding supportSymptoms and findings involving the pulp, gums, bone, or nearby tissues may affect whether restorative care, root canal therapy, removal, or another assessment is considered.
- Function and future planThe tooth's position, bite, role in chewing, and any planned replacement or other treatment may affect the decision.
- Health information and care scopeRelevant health conditions, medications, and prior care can affect planning. The team should also explain who would provide each stage and whether a referral is needed.
Source: Canadian Dental Association, The Dental Exam: An Overview; Canadian Dental Association, Oral Surgery
Review what each path is intended to address
The findings decide which of these deserves discussion.
Restorative care
A filling, crown, or another restoration may be discussed when the findings support an appropriate repair.
Root canal assessment
When the pulp inside the tooth is injured or infected, root canal therapy and a final restoration may be considered. The condition of the remaining tooth and its support still matter.
Monitoring or further assessment
Some findings may support monitoring, additional records, management of another condition, or a referral before a final decision is made.
Removal
Extraction may be discussed when retaining the tooth is not appropriate, when the expected trade-offs favour removal, or when the patient chooses that path after reviewing the findings, alternatives, relevant risks, and future implications.
Confirm the plan, provider, and instructions
The stages below are general. The clinic confirms the plan after assessment.
Review the reason and alternatives
Ask what the examination and records show, why removal is being recommended, which alternatives were considered, and which findings could change the plan.
Confirm the tooth and care provider
The treatment plan should identify the tooth, who would provide the care, where it would occur, and whether a referral is needed.
Review preparation and risk information
Follow the provider's instructions about health information, medications, eating or drinking, transportation, pain management, and other preparation that applies to the approved plan.
Understand the site-care plan
The provider should explain how the extraction site will be managed, what instructions apply afterward, how follow-up works, and which changes require a call.
Decide whether the space needs a separate plan
Depending on the tooth and your goals, leaving the space, monitoring it, or discussing replacement may become a separate decision after the preserve-or-remove discussion.
Follow the instructions from the treating provider
Aftercare depends on the tooth, procedure, health information, medications, and how the site responds. The treating provider's written instructions take priority over general website information.
- Protect the siteCanadian Dental Association and MyHealth Alberta guidance includes using gauze as directed for bleeding and avoiding actions that can disturb the blood clot, such as forceful rinsing or drinking through a straw during the period specified by the provider.
- Use medications only as directedFollow the instructions from the treating provider and pharmacist. Do not change prescribed or over-the-counter medication use based on this page.
- Call about a concerning changeCall the treating provider about heavy or ongoing bleeding, pain that is not improving as expected, worsening swelling, fever, drainage, difficulty keeping down fluids, or another change that concerns you. If breathing or swallowing is affected, or symptoms otherwise feel life-threatening, call 911.
Source: Canadian Dental Association, Oral Surgery; MyHealth Alberta, Tooth Extraction: Care Instructions
Does the space need a separate plan?
Whether a removed tooth needs replacement depends on its location, neighbouring teeth, bite, gums, bone, goals, and broader treatment plan. Possible discussions may include monitoring the space, a bridge, an implant-supported option, or another approach. The timing, providers, suitability, and fees require separate assessment.
Restorative DentistryAsk what the extraction estimate includes.
Fees depend on the examination findings, the care recommended, and the treatment you choose. Factors may include clinically useful records, the tooth's condition and position, urgent or preparatory care, the provider, site management, follow-up, referred care, and any separate replacement planning. Ask which provider and stage each estimate covers.
We can help submit eligible claims or estimates. Your plan determines coverage, limits, deductibles, exclusions, alternate-benefit rules, and whether the insurer pays the clinic directly. You are responsible for any amount not paid by your plan.
Confirm the provider after the assessment.
Dr. Michael Wu is a general dentist. He provides assessment and coordinated treatment planning. If your case requires care outside the clinic's scope, the team will explain the referral and how the next steps connect.
About Dr. Michael WuPatients
Over the past few months I've had to complete multiple dental procedures with Dr. Wu, each time the team has gotten me in quick for the emergency procedure and the work and professionalism has been exceptional. The quality of work has been great! Cannot thank them enough!
Jordan Such a great experience! I had a bit of my front tooth enamel that chopped off and the dentist squeezed me in. Thank you so much!
Tania Thompson Came in for a check up since I'm in the area and was greeted with smiles all around. Had a great experience with the front desk staff and the dentist himself. Everyone was very personable, friendly and explained exactly what was going on with my mouth. Will definitely be back for the rest of my dental needs!
Chris Postnikoff
Commonly Asked Questions
If your question is not answered here, call the clinic and the team will answer it.
Does a badly damaged tooth always need to be removed?
No decision can be made from appearance or symptoms alone. The condition of the tooth, pulp, roots, surrounding support, bite, reasonable restorative options, health information, and goals may affect the recommendation.
Can root canal therapy be considered instead of extraction?
It may be one option when the findings support it. The remaining tooth structure, fracture pattern, support, restoration needs, treatment limits, and provider scope still need assessment. Neither treatment guarantees that the tooth can be retained.
Will the extraction happen at the assessment?
Do not assume that it will. The clinic will confirm the appointment type. Examination findings, records, consent, preparation, provider scope, urgency, and referral needs may affect the sequence.
Does Dental at the Bow provide every type of extraction?
Dr. Wu is a general dentist and provides assessment and coordinated treatment planning. If care is needed outside the clinic's scope, the team will explain the referral.
Is sedation available for an extraction?
Ask which comfort and pain-management approach applies to the approved treatment plan. Do not change eating, drinking, medication, or transportation plans without instructions from the treating provider.
What should I do about pain, swelling, injury, or bleeding?
Call (403) 313-3000 during clinic hours for current urgent availability.
If breathing or swallowing is affected, bleeding is severe, or symptoms otherwise feel life-threatening, call 911. Do not wait for a routine form response.
Start with the preserve-or-remove decision.
Request an extraction assessment to review the tooth, clinically useful records, reasonable alternatives, care roles, aftercare, and expected fees. The clinic will contact you to confirm availability. For current pain, swelling, injury, bleeding, or worsening symptoms, call during clinic hours for current urgent availability.
