A cracked molar that throbs throughout the night, an infected tooth that makes it painful to eat, or a sudden break below the gumline seldom happens at a convenient time. When a tooth can’t be saved and the pain will not wait, you need a surgical team that can evaluate the problem quickly, remove the tooth safely, and set you up for a healthy recovery.
At Goodove Oral Surgery, we have been caring for Virginia Beach families as an independent, locally owned practice, and emergency tooth extractions are one of the oral surgery procedures we perform most often. Dr. Scott R. Goodove and Dr. Peter Zagursky combine board-certified surgical training with the kind of personal attention you can only get from a hometown practice, where you have direct access to your surgeon and a team committed to treating you like a neighbor, not a number.
Not every toothache calls for an extraction, but some situations should never be left to wait. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, there were more than 2 million dental-related emergency department visits in a single year, and conditions involving the tooth pulp and surrounding tissues accounted for 85 percent of those that required hospital admission. Seeing an oral surgeon promptly can resolve the problem at its source before it escalates into a more serious health threat.
You may need an emergency extraction if you are dealing with a severe infection or abscess, a tooth fractured below the gumline, advanced decay that has destroyed the tooth structure, or a painful impacted wisdom tooth that has become infected. Because general dentists often refer these complex cases to a specialist, coming directly to an oral surgeon can save you valuable time when every hour of pain feels long.
Your visit begins with a focused evaluation so that we can understand exactly what is happening beneath the surface. We use advanced cone beam CT imaging to capture a detailed, three-dimensional view of the tooth, its roots, and the surrounding bone and nerves, which allows us to plan the safest and most efficient removal possible.
Once we have a clear picture, we walk you through your options in plain language and answer every question before we begin. Many emergency extractions can be completed the same day as your evaluation. As board-certified oral and maxillofacial surgeons, our doctors are trained to handle even the most challenging removals, including teeth that are broken at the gumline or positioned near sensitive nerves.
We know that dental anxiety is often highest when pain brings you through our doors. That is why we offer a full range of anesthesia and sedation options, all administered in a closely monitored setting by a team that is fully CPR certified:
Our surgical staff goes out of its way to make your experience a calm one. From a friendly hand to hold to a warm blanket during your procedure, the little touches matter to us. Patients are carefully monitored during and after surgery, and we send you home with clear post-extraction care instructions so you know exactly how to protect the site and manage your recovery.
Removing the tooth relieves the pain, but it is only the first step in protecting your long-term oral health. Leaving a gap in your smile can cause neighboring teeth to shift and the underlying jawbone to shrink over time. During your visit, we will thoroughly explain your replacement options so that you leave with a plan in place, not just an empty space.
For many patients, that plan includes dental implants, a permanent solution that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth. If infection or long-standing decay has weakened the jaw, bone grafting can rebuild a strong foundation so an implant can be placed successfully down the road. Whenever possible, we coordinate these steps at the time of your extraction to streamline your treatment.
We never want cost concerns to keep you in pain. Our team works hand in hand with you to maximize your benefits, and we accept a wide range of insurance plans, including major PPO plans, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, TRICARE, and Veterans Affairs coverage. For Virginia Beach’s large military community, our experience coordinating VA referrals and authorizations makes the process smoother when you need care fast.
Flexible financing options such as CareCredit and Cherry are also available, so you can focus on getting better instead of worrying about the bill. Our knowledgeable staff will walk you through your coverage and answer any financial questions before treatment begins.
When tooth pain strikes, you deserve a surgical team that treats your situation with urgency and genuine care. As an independent, community-focused practice, our doctors have the flexibility to make decisions based on what is best for each patient, which means personalized treatment, continuity of care, and a relationship that lasts well beyond a single procedure.
Do not spend another night struggling with a tooth that needs to come out. Contact our Virginia Beach office today to schedule your emergency tooth extraction, and let our team get you out of pain and back to your life.
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Friday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm