5812 Mapledale Plaza

Woodbridge, VA 22193

(703) 580-9900

When is an Extraction Necessary?

Tooth PainDental extractions are almost always a last resort, but sometimes they are necessary when other restorative procedures are not enough to save a broken, loose, or severely decayed tooth. If you need to have a tooth extracted, there are a number of tooth replacement options available to help preserve your oral health and improve your smile. The dentists at Mapledale Family Dentistry in Woodbridge, VA, offer general and cosmetic dentistry services for patients of all ages.

Family Dentistry in Woodbridge, VA

If a tooth is damaged beyond repair due to trauma or severe tooth decay, the dentist will recommend extraction to avoid further complications and alleviate existing symptoms like pain or an infection. In other cases, a tooth may otherwise be healthy but need to be extracted due to crowding or bite and alignment problems. Wisdom teeth (third molars) are frequently extracted for crowding issues or because they are impacted (fully or partially blocked beneath the gums, preventing them from erupting properly).

Types of Dental Extractions

Some extractions are more complicated and may require a surgical extraction. A surgical extraction requires making a small incision in the gums to safely remove the tooth from the socket. Wisdom teeth are often removed through a surgical extraction, but they are also used to remove a tooth that has not fully erupted, or if a tooth breaks at the gum line.

A simple extraction does not require an incision. Instead, the dentists loosen the tooth and gently removes it with a pair of forceps. In some cases, the dentist may decide that a surgical extraction is necessary during the procedure if a complication develops, most commonly if the crown breaks during a simple extraction.

Find a Family Dentist in Woodbridge, VA

The best way to avoid extractions and oral health problems is with prevention, starting with regular dental exams and cleanings. For more information, contact Mapledale Family Dentistry by calling (703) 580-9900 to schedule an appointment with one of our dentists today.

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

10:00 am-7:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed