ATTENTION VA BEACH PATIENTS:
Our new location is 837 First Colonial Road, VA Beach, VA 23451
A tooth that is cracked below the gum line, badly decayed, or firmly anchored in the jaw does not just come out with a gentle pull. When there is no way to remove a tooth by standard means, a surgical approach is needed, and the skills of a trained oral surgeon make all the difference in how safely and comfortably that procedure unfolds. Whether you are dealing with a broken molar, an impacted tooth, or a problem tooth that has resisted every other treatment, surgical extraction offers an avenue to relief.
At Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants, our team understands how daunting the prospect of oral surgery can feel. Dr. Scott R. Goodove and our experienced staff have built a practice around providing genuinely caring, skilled care to patients across the Hampton Roads region. As an independent practice focused on community, we bring a personal connection to every procedure we perform. Our oral surgery procedures are conducted with precision and compassion so you can move forward with confidence.
General dentists throughout the region, from Virginia Beach and Chesapeake to the Peninsula communities of Newport News and Hampton, refer patients to our practice when a tooth requires surgical removal beyond the scope of a standard extraction. If your own dentist has identified a tooth that needs specialist attention, or if you are experiencing pain from a tooth that has not responded to other treatment, our team can evaluate your situation and outline a clear plan.
Not every tooth that needs to come out will require surgery. A simple extraction involves a tooth that has fully erupted and can be loosened and removed with forceps alone. A surgical extraction, however, is required when a tooth is impacted, broken at or beneath the gum line, has curved or abnormally shaped roots, or has fused to the surrounding bone in a condition known as ankylosis.
During a surgical extraction, a small incision is made in the gum tissue to access the tooth and surrounding bone. In some cases, the tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces to allow for safer removal. Bone may need to be carefully reshaped as part of the process. The site is then thoroughly cleaned and sutured to support healing. Although this sounds involved, the procedure is performed under appropriate anesthesia, and most patients are surprised by how smooth the experience feels when they are in skilled hands.
Several clinical situations point clearly toward extraction as the best path forward for both the patient’s comfort and long-term oral health.
Despite advances in restorative dentistry, some teeth reach a point where extraction is the most appropriate course of action. A tooth with severe infection that has spread into the surrounding structures, a tooth fractured below the gumline, or one with extensive decay that has compromised the root may leave little room for preservation. In these situations, prompt removal protects the health of neighboring teeth and the underlying bone.
Most people associate impaction with wisdom teeth, but any tooth can become impacted. When a tooth fails to emerge properly or grows at an angle that threatens surrounding structures, surgical removal becomes essential. Wisdom tooth removal is one of the most common procedures we perform, but our team is also trained to manage impacted canines and other teeth that require surgical intervention.
One of the most important factors in a surgical extraction is ensuring that you are as comfortable as possible before, during, and after the procedure. We offer several sedation options from local anesthesia to IV sedation, which allows you to remain relaxed and unaware throughout the procedure. Our surgical staff are CPR certified, and patients are closely monitored throughout every procedure. If you have questions about what level of sedation is right for you, our team is happy to explain each of these options during your consultation.
The American Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons notes that oral surgeons complete four to six years of additional training beyond dental school, with a focus on surgical procedures of the mouth, jaws, and face. That depth of specialized training is part of what makes oral and maxillofacial surgeons the ideal choice for surgical tooth removal.
After surgical extraction, it typically takes a few days to a week for the initial healing phase, though complete bone and tissue healing occurs over a longer period. Swelling, mild discomfort, and some tenderness in the first 48 to 72 hours are normal responses. Following your post-operative instructions carefully is essential for a smooth recovery.
Dry socket, a condition where the protective blood clot is dislodged before the site heals, is one of the more common complications and can be easily avoided by following instructions on eating, drinking, and oral hygiene. Our team provides detailed post-operative guidance and remains available if you have questions during recovery.
Removing a tooth is often just the first step. Once the site heals, restoring the space left behind protects your bite, prevents neighboring teeth from drifting, and maintains the health of the surrounding bone. Dental implants are widely regarded as the most effective long-term solution for tooth replacement, providing a restoration that looks, feels, and functions like a natural tooth.
Our team can discuss implant eligibility and timing during your consultation so you understand the complete process for a healthy, functional smile before your extraction even takes place. In cases where bone loss has occurred, bone grafting may be recommended to preserve the site and support future implant placement.
Goodove Oral Surgery & Dental Implants has remained an independent, community-rooted practice because Dr. Goodove and Dr. Zagursky believe that personal connection is at the heart of excellent care. Our doctors hold operating privileges at Virginia Beach Ambulatory Surgery Center and Bon Secours Maryview Medical Center, giving patients access to hospital-level resources when their needs require it. We accept a broad range of insurance plans, including major PPO carriers, Medicaid, Medicare Advantage, TRICARE, and Veterans Affairs coverage, and we offer CareCredit and Cherry Financing for those who need flexible payment options.
If you have been told you need a surgical tooth extraction, or if you are experiencing tooth pain and want guidance on your options, we invite you to contact our Virginia Beach office to schedule a consultation with Dr. Goodove. Our team is here to listen, answer your questions, and develop a plan that puts your comfort and long-term oral health first.
Office Hours: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm, Friday: 8:00 am – 2:00 pm
