Gentle Tooth Extraction in Burke, VA

If you’re unsure whether you need a tooth pulled, Dr. Ashraghi will examine your smile with advanced technology, including digital X-rays and intraoral cameras, to understand exactly what’s going on. The most common reasons we recommend a tooth extraction include:

• Severe tooth decay that puts your oral health at risk and can’t be treated with root canal therapy
• Significant facial trauma that leaves a tooth broken beyond repair
• Advanced gum disease that causes teeth to loosen and bone to deteriorate
• Overcrowding that needs to be addressed as part of orthodontic treatment

Back teeth that are stuck, crowded, or partly erupted are a special case. If your concern is a third molar, see our page on wisdom teeth removal. If loose teeth are caused by gum problems, gum disease treatment may help protect the teeth that remain.

You shouldn’t feel pain during a tooth extraction. Before we begin, the area is fully numbed with local anesthesia, and sedation dentistry is available if you feel anxious. You may notice pressure as the tooth is loosened, but not sharp pain. If you feel anything uncomfortable, just let us know and we’ll pause.

Dr. Ashraghi is known for her gentle, light touch and focus on pain management. After the numbness wears off, some soreness for a few days is normal and usually responds well to the pain relief we recommend. Taking it easy, using cold compresses, and following your aftercare instructions all help you feel better sooner. Many people are back to their usual routine within a day or two.

The first few days after a tooth extraction are all about protecting the blood clot that forms in the socket, because it is the foundation for healing. Follow these general tips, along with the specific instructions we give you:

• Bite gently on gauze for the time we recommend and replace it as directed.
• Rest for the remainder of the day and avoid strenuous activity.
• Don’t use straws, spit forcefully, or smoke, since these can dislodge the clot.
• Choose soft, cool foods like yogurt, soup that isn’t hot, and mashed potatoes at first.
• Use a cold compress on your cheek to reduce swelling.
• Keep brushing your other teeth, being gentle near the extraction site.

Call us if you have heavy bleeding that won’t stop, increasing pain after a few days, fever, or swelling that gets worse. If you have a sudden problem, our emergency dentistry team will see you as soon as possible.

Unless the tooth was removed for orthodontic reasons or is a wisdom tooth, the gap usually needs a replacement. Over time, neighboring teeth can drift into the space, your bite can change, and the jawbone in that area can shrink. Alpine Dental offers lifelike tooth replacement solutions, and Dr. Ashraghi will help you choose the one that fits your health, goals, and budget:

• Dental implants with a custom implant crown
• A fixed dental bridge supported by neighboring teeth
• Partial or full dentures

Planning your replacement before the extraction makes the process smoother and helps you know what to expect.

The cost of a tooth extraction depends on the tooth, how it is positioned, and whether you also need a replacement. We give you an estimate before treatment and check your insurance benefits first.

We are in-network with most PPO plans and file your claims; see the insurance plans we work with. For flexible payments, ask about Cherry financing or our No Strings Smile Plans. Patients come to us from Burke, Springfield, West Springfield, and Fairfax Station, and our office is just minutes from the Fairfax County Parkway.