Many patients think getting a tooth pulled is painful. But removing problem teeth can actually help prevent crowding, crooked teeth, decay, and other damage. At Coastal General Dentistry, we make sure extractions are a painless general treatment for our patients.
Extractions are the best choice for impacted and severely decayed teeth. When tooth decay destroys the enamel, it can harm your gums and lead to gum disease. Sometimes, removing a tooth is the best way to protect your oral health. Dr. Cappy Sinclair and Dr. Mark Reichley perform extractions in our Virginia Beach office to keep your smile healthy.
Tooth Extraction Services in Virginia Beach, VA
We provide two types of tooth extractions: simple and complex. Simple extractions remove teeth above the gum line, and we use local anesthesia to make the procedure quick and easy. For teeth that are at or below the gum line, we perform complex extractions. We use sedation to keep you calm during these procedures.
We may also perform surgical extractions if you’re replacing a tooth with an implant or bridge. This is similar to complex extractions. Our experienced oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gum to access the tooth. This may involve removing bone or sectioning the tooth to make removal easier.
After we extract the tooth, we will carefully stitch up the incision to promote proper healing. Our team will provide detailed aftercare instructions to support a smooth recovery. We will also discuss any necessary follow-up appointments to monitor your healing progress.
Important: extractions are a last resort. We do our best to recommend only the most relevant treatments for your issues. Just because you have a toothache in Virginia Beach doesn’t mean you need to get the tooth pulled. At our practice, we prioritize your comfort and safety during all dental procedures. Trust our skilled team to provide gentle and effective care for your dental needs.
The Tooth Extraction Process
The extraction process is straightforward. First, we numb your mouth with a local anesthetic. The dentist then gently loosens the tooth before removing it from the socket. Once the tooth is out, we place gauze over the site to help a clot form.
If the clot comes out, it can lead to a dry socket, which can be very painful. Let us know if this happens. We also prescribe pain medication to help ease your recovery.
After the extraction, eat soft foods and avoid the area for a few days while it heals. If you have bleeding at the site after a few days, call us right away. We’ll provide emergency care to control the bleeding and see what’s wrong.
The cost of extractions can vary based on a few things, including:
- The type of tooth being removed
- The complexity of the procedure
- The number of teeth
- Additional treatments, like surgery or antibiotics
Wisdom teeth removal can cost more depending on how complicated it is. Pulling more than one tooth can also affect the price.
Wisdom Teeth Removal
Wisdom teeth are the last set of adult teeth to come in. They usually erupt in your late teens or early twenties, but sometimes later. You may feel pain behind your back molars as they begin to erupt.
Most of the time, there isn’t enough space in your mouth for wisdom teeth, so they push against other teeth or grow at odd angles. Contact us if you notice this or feel pain, as you may have impacted wisdom teeth.
Not everyone needs wisdom teeth removed, but we recommend regular visits to monitor them. X-rays are important because they help us see things you might not notice, like wisdom teeth that haven’t come in yet. Schedule your wisdom tooth extractions today, and we’ll ensure a pain-free experience.
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Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Aftercare after a tooth extraction is key to ensuring it heals properly.
Right After the Tooth Extraction Procedure
After the tooth is removed, bite down on gauze to help stop bleeding and form a blood clot. Keep gently biting on the gauze for about 30 minutes. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after you remove the gauze, put in a fresh piece and keep biting until the bleeding slows.
Over-the-counter pain relievers can help with pain and discomfort. You can also use a cold compress to reduce swelling and bruising. For the first 24 hours, use the compress for 15 minutes at a time with 15 minutes in between. If you have extreme pain or bleeding, call our office right away.
In The Days After Tooth Removal in Virginia Beach, VA
Be careful when brushing your teeth. Don’t brush or rinse near the extraction site to avoid disturbing the blood clot. You can start rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater after the first day, especially after meals. This will help with healing and keep the area clean.
Avoid using tobacco for at least 72 hours. Nicotine affects blood flow, which can slow down healing. Also, avoid using straws. Both can lead to a painful dry socket.
Stick to soft foods like mashed potatoes, yogurt, and soup for a few days. Avoid chewing near the extraction site, and don’t eat anything very hot or cold. Slowly introduce more solid foods as you feel ready.
Take it easy for at least 24 hours after the extraction. Avoid heavy lifting or hard exercise, as these can cause bleeding or disturb the blood clot. This is a good time to rest and avoid anything that raises blood flow to your face and neck.
Tooth Extraction FAQs
Is wisdom tooth removal always necessary?
No, and that’s an important distinction. You only need to remove wisdom teeth when they’re causing problems or are likely to. Impacted teeth, teeth that crowd your other molars, and teeth that trap bacteria and cause repeated infections are all reasons to remove them. If your wisdom teeth are healthy, fully erupted, and not affecting your bite, Dr. Trotter may recommend leaving them alone and monitoring them over time.
Is it better to remove or repair a damaged tooth?
That depends on how much healthy tooth structure is left. If you can save the tooth with a root canal, a crown, or another restoration, that’s almost always the better choice for your long-term oral health. Natural teeth preserve bone, maintain your bite, and function better than any replacement. Dr. Trotter and Dr. Luskey work together to evaluate whether your tooth can be saved before recommending extraction, and they’ll only suggest removal when it’s genuinely the best path forward.
Can I go to work after a tooth extraction?
Most patients should plan to take the rest of the day off. The extraction site needs time to clot and begin healing, and the anesthesia needs to wear off before you can safely drive or focus on work. If your job is physically demanding or requires heavy lifting, we recommend taking two to three days off to reduce the risk of bleeding and complications. For desk jobs, many patients feel ready to return the next day, but it’s best to plan for at least one day of rest.
How long should I rest after an extraction?
Plan for at least 24 to 72 hours of reduced activity. The first 24 hours are the most important because that’s when the blood clot forms and stabilizes. During that window, avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting, and anything that significantly raises your heart rate. After the first few days, most patients can gradually return to their normal routine as long as they’re feeling well and the site is healing properly.
How can I heal faster after a tooth extraction?
The biggest factors are rest, hydration, and following your aftercare instructions exactly. Stick to soft foods for the first few days, avoid straws, and don’t smoke or use tobacco products, since those are the leading causes of dry socket.
Keep the extraction site clean by rinsing gently with warm salt water after the first 24 hours. If Dr. Trotter prescribes medication, take it as directed. Patients who follow these steps consistently tend to heal faster and with fewer complications.
How long will the pain last after a tooth extraction?
Most patients experience the worst discomfort in the first 24 to 48 hours, and it gradually improves from there. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen usually manage the pain well, though Dr. Trotter may prescribe something stronger for more complex extractions. Swelling typically peaks around day two or three and then starts to subside. If pain worsens after the third day or doesn’t improve, call our office so we can check for complications like dry socket.
What can I eat after a tooth extraction?
Stick to soft foods for the first few days. Good options include yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes, scrambled eggs, soft pasta, and smoothies eaten with a spoon. Avoid anything hard, crunchy, sticky, spicy, or hot, and don’t use a straw for at least a week. As the site heals, you can gradually reintroduce normal foods, but be careful around the extraction area until it’s fully closed.
How soon can I brush my teeth after an extraction?
You can brush your other teeth the same day, but be gentle around the extraction site. Avoid brushing directly over the socket for the first few days. After 24 hours, you can start rinsing gently with warm salt water several times a day, especially after meals. Don’t swish vigorously or poke at the socket, since that can dislodge the blood clot and lead to dry socket.
Does insurance cover tooth extractions?
Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of the cost of an extraction, especially when it’s medically necessary. Exact coverage depends on your plan and whether the tooth is impacted or routine. Our team will verify your benefits and explain your out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins. If you don’t have insurance, our Coastal Dental Care Wellness Plans may help make the cost more manageable.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Do you need your wisdom teeth removed? Are toothaches or decay affecting your smile? Contact us at 757-216-9914 for comfortable dental extractions in Virginia Beach, or request an appointment online. Our team is here to answer any questions and help you feel your best.