Careful, Calm, Clearly Explained
Sometimes removing a tooth is the healthiest answer — severe decay, a fracture below the gumline, or an infection too far along. At our Columbus Avenue office, extractions happen with complete numbing, nitrous oxide on request, and a plain-language plan you approve first.
What Patients Notice Here
Patients tell us they appreciate that Dr. Shirley stops when they say something hurts and adjusts until they are comfortable. You will know why the tooth is out, what happens next (bone preservation, replacement paths), and exactly how to heal — in writing, not recited once. Recovery map included: 24 hours of clot protection (no straws, no smoking), salt-water rinses after day one, a soft-diet weekend. Questions post-op reach us directly — no ticket systems. Questions post-op are part of the price of admission here — call the office with anything that bothers you, because early answers are easier than late corrections. We differentiate before we remove: some painful teeth truly need out, some root canals save them anyway. If preservation is possible we say so including what it costs relative to removal + implant or bridge later. When removal wins, the actual moment is slower than you fear — ligament fibers release with patience, not force. Most discomfort reviews say it went easier than expected. Then we talk socket preservation: grafting at removal keeps the ridge intact for an implant whenever you are ready, not rebuilding it later at higher cost.
- Complete numbing, always
- Nitrous oxide available on request
- Written aftercare and healing guidance
- Next-step options discussed at your pace
What to Expect
Confirm & Numb
X-rays verify the need; nothing starts until you are thoroughly numb.
Gentle Removal
Steady, careful extraction with pauses whenever you signal.
Aftercare
Written instructions, dry-socket prevention, and direct access afterward.
Why Patients Choose Us
Extraction Only When Right
When a tooth can be saved, we say so and save it instead.
Comfort Without Rush
Stopping when you raise a hand is the norm.
Next Steps Discussed
Implants, bridges, or leaving the space — compared honestly.
Thinking about tooth extractions?
Appointments are never double-booked — first evaluation includes a written plan with estimated costs.
When Extraction Is the Answer
Severe decay beyond rebuilding, roots fractured below the gumline, or an infection a root canal cannot resolve. One necessary caution: tell us every blood thinner and condition — safety relies on accurate history, and physician coordination is part of the package when needed. Bone logic applies after: a socket preserves architecture best with grafting at removal or an implant plan on a real timeline. Daily life instructions are written down: gauze pressure, soft food ladder, head elevation, what counts as emergency bleeding vs. normal oozing — so no internet searches at 2 AM.
- Non-restorable decay or fracture
- Unresolvable infection at the root
- Complex wisdom-adjacent issues (case by case)
Extraction Cost
Extractions are commonly covered at a percentage by the PPO insurances we work with. Your written estimate precedes treatment, with CareCredit available when needed.
What Comes After the Gap
An implant, a bridge, or leaving the space where appropriate — function, timeline, and cost mapped side by side, no pushing the most expensive answer.
Emergency Extraction Means Same-Day Basics Here
When the tooth has to go today, call in the morning — same-day evaluations on the Upper West Side shorten the worst day. After hours, text (917) 667-6015.
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedule Your Visit
Appointments are never double-booked — the room is reserved just for you. Book online or call (917) 261-7555.