General Dentistry
Tooth Extractions in Reston, VA
When a tooth cannot be saved, a gentle way forward.
Careful removal of damaged or problem teeth to end the pain and stop infection, with a plan for what replaces the tooth next.
Tooth Extractions
Gentle tooth extractions in Reston, VA: removing damaged or problem teeth to relieve pain, stop infection and prepare for implants, bridges or dentures.
Removing a tooth to protect the rest of your smile
Saving a natural tooth is always the first goal, but some teeth are too damaged or too problematic to keep. In those cases, an extraction removes the tooth to eliminate the pain and stop infection from spreading. Taking out a problem tooth can also prevent future dental problems and prepare your mouth for an implant, a bridge or a denture. Our team will thoroughly explain your treatment options and guide you through the whole process, so you know what to expect before the appointment. You can relax with pillows, blankets and headphones while we work.
Common reasons for an extraction
- Severe damageA tooth too damaged to save can be removed gently.
- InfectionRemoval stops an infection from spreading further.
- Pain reliefTaking out a problem tooth ends the pain it causes.
- Making roomExtraction prepares the mouth for dentures or implants.
Comfort from start to finish
Your mouth is numbed before the tooth is removed, and our team works carefully and gently throughout. Patients who feel anxious can ask about sedation dentistry, which is available. Tell us how you are feeling before we begin and we will pace the appointment around you.
What can replace the tooth
Removing a tooth is often the first step in a larger plan. These are the options we may discuss with you.
- Dental implantA prosthetic tooth root placed in the jawbone supports a new crown that looks and functions like a natural tooth. See dental implants.
- Dental bridgeA bridge replaces a missing tooth by attaching an artificial tooth to nearby healthy teeth or to implants.
- DenturesFull or partial dentures replace several missing teeth and improve your ability to eat.
- Bone graftingWhere an implant is planned, a bone graft can build up jawbone strength and density first.
Talk to us before you decide
If a tooth is causing you pain, book an exam so we can see whether it can be saved with treatment such as a root canal, or whether removal is the better choice. Your insurance may cover part of oral surgery, and our team will help you check your benefits and review financing options before treatment.
The short answer
A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth that is too damaged or problematic to save, done to eliminate pain and stop the spread of infection. The area is numbed, the tooth is removed gently, and sedation dentistry is available for patients who feel anxious about treatment. An extraction can also prevent future dental problems and prepare your mouth for a replacement tooth, such as a dental implant, a bridge or dentures.
Tooth extractions FAQ
- When would I need a tooth extracted?
- You may need a tooth extracted when it is too damaged to save or when it is causing problems for the rest of your mouth. Removing it can eliminate pain and stop the spread of infection. Extractions are also done to make room for dentures or another restoration, or to avoid future dental problems. We always look at whether a tooth can be saved before recommending removal.
- Is a tooth extraction covered by insurance?
- Our front desk can check your dental or medical benefits before treatment. We recommend checking with your carriers to find out what they will and will not pay for before any work is done. That way there are no big surprises. Our front desk can help verify your benefits and walk you through financing options.
- When can I exercise after an extraction?
- We recommend not exercising at all for the first 24 hours after an extraction or other oral surgery. Trying to do too much too soon can actually prolong healing. Vigorous exercise can loosen the blood clot on the extraction site and lead to a painful dry socket. For the next few days, limit yourself to low-impact activity as a precaution.
- Can I replace the tooth after it is removed?
- Yes, an extraction often prepares your mouth for a replacement tooth. Options include a dental implant topped with a crown, a bridge attached to nearby teeth or implants, and full or partial dentures. If an implant is planned and the jawbone needs support, a bone graft can build it up first. We will explain the options that fit your mouth.
- Can sedation help if I am nervous about an extraction?
- Yes, sedation dentistry is available for patients who feel anxious about treatment. We will talk through the options with you before your visit. You can also relax with soft pillows, warm blankets and headphones during your appointment. Let us know how you feel and we will explain each step before we begin.
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We accept most PPO dental insurance plans. Our team verifies your benefits before treatment and helps you get the most from your coverage.
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