Your dentist just told you the tooth has to come out, and now you’re wondering why they’re sending you somewhere else. The referral to an oral surgeon can feel like an unexpected detour, but for many patients, it’s actually the safest and most effective path to getting back to full health.
At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we work closely with referring dentists throughout the Hampton Roads region to make that transition as smooth as possible. Whether you’re coming to our Virginia Beach or Chesapeake office, our board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons are here to handle the cases that go beyond routine dental care, bringing a level of surgical training and clinical precision that makes a real difference in outcomes.
Not All Extractions Are the Same
When most people picture a tooth extraction, they imagine a straightforward pull. But the reality is that tooth removal ranges widely in complexity, and the right provider depends entirely on what you’re dealing with.
Simple Extractions vs. Surgical Extractions
A simple extraction involves a tooth that is fully visible above the gumline and can be loosened and removed without making any incisions. General dentists can typically handle these cases. A surgical extraction, however, is a different matter entirely.
When a tooth is broken below the gumline, severely decayed, fused to the jawbone, or impacted, the procedure requires incisions, possible bone removal, and suturing. According to the American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons, patients in need of a more complicated extraction are most likely to be referred to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon (OMS).
When Complexity Calls for a Specialist
Several factors can make a tooth extraction more involved than it appears on the surface. If a tooth has curved, fused, or multiple roots, removing it without damaging surrounding tissue requires a trained surgical hand. Teeth that have broken off at or beneath the gumline present similar challenges. Patients who take blood thinners, have compromised immune systems, or have undergone radiation therapy may also need the added oversight and anesthesia capabilities that an oral surgeon provides.
The Training Behind the Referral
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons complete dental school followed by a minimum of four to six years of hospital-based surgical residency. During that time, they train alongside residents in general surgery, anesthesiology, and internal medicine. That depth of training is precisely why your dentist sends you to us for cases that fall outside routine extraction.
At Goodove Oral Surgery, our surgeons bring that background to every procedure. Dr. Scott R. Goodove is dual board-certified, and Dr. Peter Zagursky is both board-certified and a retired Army officer, which speaks to the discipline and precision both bring to patient care.
What About Wisdom Teeth?
Wisdom teeth are among the most common reasons patients are referred to an oral surgeon for an extraction. Because these molars often come in at an angle, remain partially or fully impacted beneath the gumline, or sit close to nerve structures, their removal nearly always requires surgical technique. Attempting to remove an impacted wisdom tooth without the proper surgical training puts the surrounding tissue, adjacent teeth, and nearby nerves at unnecessary risk.
We perform wisdom tooth extractions regularly at both of our Hampton Roads locations, and we take the time to walk each patient through what the procedure involves, what anesthesia options are available, and what recovery looks like.
What Comes After the Extraction?
For many patients, the extraction is only the first step. Once a tooth is removed, the surrounding jawbone can begin to deteriorate without stimulation. That is why we often discuss bone grafting at the time of extraction, particularly for patients who plan to pursue tooth replacement. Placing a bone graft at the extraction site preserves the ridge and keeps future options open. Patients interested in a long-term solution may also want to explore dental implants, which function and feel most like natural teeth and help maintain jaw structure over time.
Thinking through these next steps with your oral surgeon before the extraction takes place is always worthwhile. We would rather have that conversation up front than leave patients making decisions without a full picture of what is ahead.
Schedule Your Consultation at Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants
Getting a referral to an oral surgeon does not have to feel complicated. At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, we make it easy to understand exactly why you are here, what we recommend, and what to expect from start to finish. Our team treats every patient with the same attentiveness and care, whether the case is routine or requires more involved surgical planning.
When you are ready to take the next step, we are here to help. Contact us to request a consultation at our Virginia Beach or Chesapeake office, and we will get you scheduled with the right provider for your needs.
