Tooth Extractions • Blacksburg and Radford

You and Dr. Boyle or Dr. VanGilder may determine that you need a tooth extraction for any number of reasons. Some teeth are extracted because they are severely decayed; others may have advanced periodontal disease, or have broken in a way that cannot be repaired. Other teeth may need removal because they are poorly positioned in the mouth (such as impacted teeth), or in preparation for orthodontic treatment.

The removal of a single tooth can lead to problems related to your chewing ability, problems with your jaw joint, and shifting teeth, which can have a major impact on your dental health.

To avoid these complications, in most cases, Dr. Boyle or Dr. VanGilder will discuss alternatives to extractions as well as the replacement of the extracted tooth.

Please call us at Blacksburg Office Phone Number 540-951-8777 (Blacksburg) or Radford Office Phone Number 540-633-5700 (Radford) with any questions or to schedule an appointment. We also invite you to read our patient reviews for tooth extractions.

The Extraction Process

At the time of extraction the doctor will need to numb your tooth, jawbone and gums that surround the area with a local anesthetic.

During the extraction process you will feel a lot of pressure. This is from the process of firmly rocking the tooth in order to widen the socket for removal.

You feel the pressure without pain as the anesthetic has numbed the nerves stopping the transference of pain, yet the nerves that transmit pressure are not profoundly affected.

If you do feel pain at any time during the extraction please let us know right away.

Sectioning a Tooth

Some teeth require sectioning. This is a very common procedure done when a tooth is so firmly anchored in its socket or the root is curved and the socket can’t expand enough to remove it. The doctor simply cuts the tooth into sections then removes each section one at a time.

After Tooth Extraction

After tooth extraction, it’s important for a blood clot to form to stop the bleeding and begin the healing process. Bite on a gauze pad for 30-45 minutes immediately after the appointment. If the bleeding or oozing still persists, place another gauze pad and bite firmly for another 30 minutes. You may have to do this several times to staunch the flow of blood.

After the blood clot forms it is important to not disturb or dislodge the clot. Do not rinse vigorously, suck on straws, smoke, drink alcohol or brush teeth next to the extraction site for 72 hours. These activities may dislodge or dissolve the clot and hinder the healing process. Limit vigorous exercise for the next 24 hours, as this increases blood pressure and may cause more bleeding from the extraction site.

After the tooth is extracted you may feel some pain and experience some swelling. An ice pack or an unopened bag of frozen peas or corn applied to the area will keep swelling to a minimum. Take pain medications as prescribed. The swelling usually subsides after 48 hours.

Use pain medication as directed. Call our office if the medication doesn’t seem to be working. If antibiotics are prescribed, continue to take them for the indicated length of time even if signs and symptoms of infection are gone. Drink lots of fluids and eat nutritious, soft food on the day of the extraction. You can eat normally as soon as you are comfortable.

It is important to resume your normal dental routine after 24 hours. This should include brushing and flossing your teeth at least once a day. This will speed healing and help keep your mouth fresh and clean.

After a few days you should feel fine and can resume your normal activities. If you have heavy bleeding, severe pain, continued swelling for 2-3 days, or a reaction to the medication, call our office immediately.

Are You Ready to Find the Relief You Deserve?

Contact us with any questions or to schedule an appointment to reclaim your smile today!

Patient Reviews: Tooth Extractions

Testimonials from our patients, in their own words, are available below. Please use our online patient feedback survey to leave us your review for NRV Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Ltd..

NRV Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Ltd.

5 out of 5 stars based on 35 Tooth Extractions reviews.

Patient Review by Willard G

Couldn't ask for better service.

- Willard G

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Ronald S

Dental extraction was fast and painless.

- Ronald S

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Richard O

Dr Boyles and his staff were very thoughtful and interested in meeting my needs. A very friendly and helpful group of people. I would highly recommend them to anyone !

- Richard O

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by James K

I dread going to the Dentist especially to have a tooth pulled. I didn't even feel it when he pulled it.

- James K

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Rex H

Overall excellent. I would definitely recommend this group to anyone.

- Rex H

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Austin H M

Everyone did amazing with me. They understood my anxiety. Not just teeth anxiety but anxiety in general. They were very nice and caring.

- Austin H M

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Shirley P

I had put this procedure off for nearly three years, mostly out fear. On my first visit Dr. VanGilder was very kind, courteous and professional. He took a great deal of time to explain the procedure to me; including step by step how the procedure would be conducted. His staff was friendly, kind and reassuring. The procedure was completed much more quickly and efficiently than I expected. Dr. VanGilder gave me plenty of time to ask questions. Nearly 24 hours after the extraction, I have had minimal pain, minimal swelling and minimal blood loss. I am back to my regular routine without any complications. Thank you Dr. VanGilder and staff for making this procedure much more pleasant than I could imagine.

- Shirley P

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Deborah B

Nothing worse than an abscess tooth that wouldn’t clear up with 2 types of antibiotics. Because the tooth was still hurting I was worried that Dr. J. VanGilder would not be able to pull it. He reassured me that he could pull the tooth even with the roots being up in the sinus area. Check in was fast and easy with pre-registration completed online. Within a few minutes I was in the chair where Dr. VanGilder and his assistant explained what was going to happen. Dr. VanGilder described everything he was going to do, what I would feel, and what sounds I would hear. Procedure was painless. Even though I was instructed on how to care for the area, I was given a complete list of what to do later which was very helpful. Dr. VanGilder called me personally the next day to make sure I was doing well. Not many doctors would take the time to follow up on patients. I highly recommend NRV Oral &Maxillofacial Surgery in Fairlawn, VA and Dr. James VanGilder to anyone with oral pain or troubles.

- Deborah B

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Loretta J

Dr. Boyle was wonderful!! I was very nervous and scared due to the particular teeth that had to be extracted. He removed both so quickly. I thought he was working on one and he said okay teeth are out! He has a great sense of humor and had me "chuckling" before, during, and after the procedure. I highly recommend Dr. Boyle. And the entire staff at both the Radford and Blacksburg office were fantastic! All were friendly and knowledgeable. Dr. Boyle is fortunate to have such a great staff. And vice versa.

- Loretta J

5 out of 5 stars on

Patient Review by Addi W

New River Valley Oral Surgery was recommended to me and I read every review as well. I've had some awful experiences with dentists in the last few years, particularly with an extraction, so I was anxious about having to have an old root canal molar extracted. The reviews were great and now I can add to that. The extraction went as well as I could have hoped for and the staff and dentist were wonderful to me. I had some concerns a week later, and they got me in promptly and checked on everything for me. I can't say enough good about this practice and have already recommended them to several friends.

- Addi W

5 out of 5 stars on