Safe & Comfortable Tooth Extractions in Norfolk
At The Foleck Center in Norfolk, tooth extractions are more than just a procedure — they’re an important step in your overall oral health journey. As part of our general dentistry services serving neighborhoods like Ghent, Ocean View, Park Place, and Downtown Norfolk, we focus on making each extraction as safe, comfortable, and stress-free as possible.
Whether you need a simple tooth removal on Granby Street or a surgical extraction near Colley Avenue or Military Highway, our skilled team uses modern, state-of-the-art techniques to protect your smile and support your long-term dental health. Patients across Wards Corner, Military Circle, and Old Dominion University trust us for gentle, expert care.
Ready to safeguard your smile? Schedule your Norfolk tooth extraction consultation at The Foleck Center today and experience compassionate, expert dentistry close to home.
Types of Tooth Removal Procedures in Norfolk
At The Foleck Center in Norfolk, we offer two primary types of tooth extraction procedures: simple extractions and surgical extractions.
Simple Extractions are performed when the tooth is visible above the gum line and can be removed with minimal intervention.
Surgical Extractions are necessary when teeth are impacted, broken at the gum line, or require a more advanced approach, such as with wisdom teeth.
When you visit our office, conveniently located near Granby Street, Colley Avenue, and Tidewater Drive, your dentist will thoroughly examine the health of your gums and teeth, including the one causing discomfort, to determine the best treatment plan.
At The Foleck Center, our mission is to ensure every patient in Norfolk and the greater Hampton Roads area feels informed, cared for, and confident about their dental health.
Simple Extraction
A simple tooth extraction is performed when the tooth is visible above the gum line and can be safely removed without complex surgical techniques. This procedure is typically used for teeth that are decayed, damaged, or overcrowded but remain intact and easily accessible. Using precision dental instruments such as forceps and elevators, our dentists gently loosen and remove the tooth with minimal discomfort.
Simple extractions are often recommended for patients with:
Advanced tooth decay that cannot be restored with a filling or crown.
Teeth that are loose due to periodontal disease (gum disease).
Preparation for orthodontic treatments when space is needed in the dental arch.
Patients across Norfolk neighborhoods such as Ghent, Ocean View, and Downtown often seek simple extractions as part of their broader oral health treatment plan. Most cases require only local anesthesia, and recovery is typically quick, with minimal swelling or downtime.
Simple extractions are less invasive and offer a faster recovery period and less pain.
Surgical Extraction
A surgical extraction is more complex and is necessary when the tooth is not fully erupted, is broken at the gum line, or is impacted beneath gum tissue or bone. These procedures are often required for wisdom teeth removal, severely fractured teeth, or situations where infection has compromised the surrounding area.
Surgical extractions involve creating a small incision in the gum tissue to access the tooth. In some cases, the tooth may need to be sectioned into smaller pieces for safe removal. After the tooth is extracted, the area may be sutured to promote healing and preserve bone structure. Sedation dentistry options — including oral sedation and nitrous oxide — are available to help patients feel relaxed and comfortable throughout the process.
Common reasons for surgical extractions in Norfolk include:
Impacted wisdom teeth in young adults, including students at Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University.
Teeth broken or damaged in accidents near Tidewater Drive or Granby Street.
Severe infections or abscesses that require oral surgery to protect long-term health.
Patients from across Norfolk and surrounding Hampton Roads communities trust The Foleck Center for surgical extractions because of our modern technology, compassionate approach, and emphasis on post-procedure care. Our team provides detailed recovery instructions, including guidance on pain management, soft food diets, and avoiding dry socket, to ensure safe and successful healing.
Common Reasons for Tooth Extraction in Norfolk
Tooth extractions are not always the result of poor oral hygiene. Even patients who take excellent care of their teeth and gums may need one or more teeth removed at some point in their lives. At The Foleck Center in Norfolk, we see patients of all ages — from teenagers to older adults — who require extractions for a variety of reasons.
- Severe Tooth Decay or Infection When cavities progress too deeply into the pulp or root of a tooth, a filling or crown may no longer be enough. In these cases, removal is often the best way to stop infection from spreading to surrounding teeth or the jawbone.
- Impacted Wisdom Teeth Many young adults in Norfolk neighborhoods like Ghent, Park Place, and Ocean View come to us for wisdom tooth extractions. Impacted wisdom teeth that grow at an angle or remain trapped in the gums can cause pain, swelling, and crowding.
- Advanced Gum Disease Periodontal disease weakens the supporting bone and tissues around teeth. When teeth become loose or unstable, extraction may be necessary to protect overall oral health.
- Overcrowding or Orthodontic PreparationSometimes extractions are needed to create space for proper tooth alignment. This is especially common for patients preparing for braces or Invisalign treatment.
- Trauma or AccidentsDental injuries happen every day — from sports activities at Old Dominion University to accidents near Military Highway or Tidewater Drive. Teeth that are fractured or damaged beyond repair may require surgical extraction.
- Broken or Fractured Teeth Teeth that crack below the gum line often cannot be restored with crowns or fillings. Surgical extraction helps prevent infection and restores comfort.
What to Expect After Your Tooth Extraction in Norfolk
At The Foleck Center in Norfolk, our goal is to make every tooth extraction as safe, gentle, and stress-free as possible. Once your procedure is complete, following the right aftercare steps is essential to promote healing and avoid complications such as dry socket.
The First 24 Hours
During the first day after your tooth extraction, it’s common to notice some mild swelling or tenderness around the treatment area. To help control bleeding, it is important to keep steady, gentle pressure on the gauze pad we provide. Applying an ice pack to the outside of your cheek for about fifteen to twenty minutes at a time can further reduce swelling and ease discomfort.
Just as important as managing symptoms is giving your body the rest it needs. Whether you are planning to return to work in Downtown Norfolk or to classes at Old Dominion University, we recommend avoiding strenuous activity and allowing yourself time to heal properly.
Managing Discomfort
Managing discomfort after your extraction is usually simple. Over-the-counter pain relievers, or prescription medication when necessary, can be used to keep soreness under control. It’s very important to protect the blood clot that forms at the extraction site, since this is what allows proper healing. Activities like drinking through a straw, smoking, or spitting forcefully can disturb the clot and lead to a painful condition called dry socket, so these should be avoided. In the first day or two, it’s best to stick with soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies, which are gentle on your mouth and make recovery more comfortable.
Healing Timeline
Most patients are able to return to their regular routines within twenty-four to forty-eight hours after a tooth extraction. In cases involving surgical extractions, such as impacted wisdom teeth, the recovery period can take a few additional days before you feel fully comfortable resuming normal activities. Even after you’re back to work, school, or daily tasks, the gums will continue to heal over the next one to two weeks as the tissue gradually strengthens and closes over the extraction site.
Ongoing Care
About a day after your procedure, you can begin gently rinsing your mouth with warm salt water to help keep the extraction site clean and reduce the risk of infection. You should continue your regular brushing and flossing routine, but take care to avoid the area of the extraction until it has begun to heal. To make sure your recovery is progressing as expected, it’s also important to attend your scheduled follow-up appointment at our Norfolk office, where our team can check the site, answer questions, and provide any additional care you may need.
Understanding the Cost of Tooth Extractions in Norfolk
The cost of a tooth extraction at The Foleck Center in Norfolk depends on the complexity of the procedure. A simple extraction, where the tooth is fully visible and easy to remove, is generally more affordable. Surgical extractions, which are required for impacted teeth or those that are broken below the gum line, can be higher in cost due to the additional care and precision involved.
Many dental insurance plans help cover a portion of extraction costs, and our team works closely with patients to maximize benefits and avoid surprises. For those without insurance or with limited coverage, we provide clear, upfront pricing along with flexible payment options, so patients from Ghent, Downtown Norfolk, Ocean View, and surrounding Hampton Roads neighborhoods can access the care they need without added stress.
If you’d like to know your specific cost, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at our Norfolk office. We’ll evaluate your needs, explain your treatment options, and provide a personalized estimate so you can make confident decisions about your dental health.
Tooth Extraction FAQs in Norfolk
How much does a tooth extraction cost in Norfolk?
The cost depends on whether you need a simple extraction or a surgical extraction. In general, simple extractions are more affordable, while surgical procedures such as removing impacted wisdom teeth cost more. At The Foleck Center in Norfolk, we provide transparent pricing, help you maximize your dental insurance, and offer flexible payment plans so extractions are accessible to patients across Ghent, Ocean View, Downtown, and the wider Hampton Roads area.
Do tooth extractions hurt?
Thanks to modern anesthesia and sedation dentistry, extractions are usually very comfortable. Most patients feel only mild pressure during the procedure. Our Norfolk dentists use advanced techniques to minimize discomfort, and we provide clear aftercare instructions to help manage soreness during recovery.
How long does it take to recover from a tooth extraction?
Most patients return to normal routines within twenty-four to forty-eight hours after a simple extraction. Surgical extractions, such as impacted wisdom teeth, may take a few extra days. Your gums will continue to heal over the next week or two. Patients in Downtown Norfolk and nearby areas often schedule extractions on Fridays so they can recover comfortably over the weekend.
When should I consider a tooth extraction?
Extractions are recommended when a tooth is too damaged or decayed to repair, when gum disease has weakened its support, or when overcrowding causes misalignment. Many young adults in Norfolk neighborhoods near Old Dominion University and Norfolk State University need wisdom tooth extractions, while older patients may require removal due to advanced decay or periodontal disease.
Will insurance cover my tooth extraction?
Most dental insurance plans cover at least part of the cost of tooth removal. Coverage depends on your plan, the type of extraction, and whether additional services like anesthesia or surgical care are needed. Our Norfolk team helps patients review their policies, file claims, and understand out-of-pocket costs before treatment begins.
Can I eat after a tooth extraction?
For the first twenty-four hours, it’s best to stick with soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, or smoothies. Avoid using straws, smoking, or eating crunchy foods that could disturb the extraction site. As healing progresses, you can slowly return to your normal diet.
What happens if I don’t get a tooth extracted?
Delaying treatment can lead to worsening pain, infection, or shifting teeth that affect your bite. For patients in Norfolk and surrounding Hampton Roads communities, untreated dental issues can also impact overall health. Removing a compromised tooth can protect your smile and prevent more complex, costly dental problems down the road.
Expert Extractions Made Easy in Norfolk, VA
At The Foleck Center in Norfolk, tooth extractions are just one part of our broader commitment to your lifelong oral health. Our experienced dental team works hard to make every procedure as gentle and stress-free as possible, whether you need a straightforward removal or a more complex surgical extraction. By combining advanced techniques with compassionate care, we help patients across Ghent, Ocean View, Downtown Norfolk, and the greater Hampton Roads area maintain healthy, confident smiles for years to come.
Take the Next Step for Your Smile
If you’ve been putting off treatment, now is the perfect time to schedule your tooth extraction consultation at The Foleck Center in Norfolk. We’ll answer your questions, explain your options, and provide expert care in a comfortable, patient-focused environment.
Call 800-800-8000 today to protect your oral health and take the first step toward a stronger, brighter smile.
