Deep decay
Decay that has gone too deep to be repaired with a filling, root canal or crown.
Tooth extractions
Tooth extractions in Arlington, done with care
When a tooth cannot be saved, Dr. Vineetha Vijayakumar and the team at Virginia Dental Care explain your options clearly and plan every step with you.
915 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22203
Mon-Thu: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
New patients and emergencies welcome
When an extraction is needed
We always try to save your natural tooth first.
Dentists prioritize keeping natural teeth whenever possible. An extraction becomes necessary when a tooth cannot be restored. Removing it ends an active infection and helps prevent a dental abscess from spreading.
Severe gum disease
Advanced periodontal disease can loosen a tooth beyond what treatment can restore.
Structural fractures
A crack or break may leave too little healthy tooth structure to rebuild.
Impacted teeth
A tooth trapped in the jaw can cause pain or infection and may need to be removed.
What to expect
A routine procedure, explained before it begins.
You will know the plan, the reason for it and the alternatives before any treatment starts.
- 01Exam and X-rays
We examine the tooth and take the images needed to understand what is happening.
- 02Your options, explained
We review whether the tooth can be saved and what your choices are, including replacement.
- 03The extraction
Comfort and anesthesia options are discussed first, so you know what to expect.
- 04Aftercare and follow-up
You leave with clear instructions and know who to call if you have questions.
After your extraction
Simple steps help you heal well.
Typical aftercare guidance includes the points below. Your dentist will give you instructions for your own situation, and those come first.
- Bite gently on the gauze as directed to control bleeding
- Rest on the first day and avoid strenuous activity
- Avoid straws, smoking, vaping and forceful spitting early on
- Choose soft, cool foods at first
- Keep the area clean as directed and avoid vigorous rinsing on day one
- Use any pain relief exactly as recommended
Call the office if bleeding, pain or swelling gets worse instead of better. For swelling with fever, or trouble breathing or swallowing, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Replacing a missing tooth
Replacement is part of the plan.
A gap can let neighboring teeth shift and can change how you chew. We talk about replacement options while your treatment is planned.
Crowns and bridges
Custom-fitted, permanent restorations used to repair severely damaged teeth or replace missing teeth.
Learn moreImplant crowns and bridges
Restorations attached to titanium posts that act as artificial tooth roots and help keep the jawbone stimulated.
Learn moreDentures
Removable partial and complete dentures to replace missing teeth and restore chewing, speaking and facial support.
Learn more
Meet your dentist
Dr. Vineetha Vijayakumar, DMD, MDS, MPH
Dentist, Orofacial Pain & Dental Sleep Medicine SpecialistCare led by Dr. Vineetha Vijayakumar, with a focus on oral wellness, orofacial pain, TMJ disorders, dental sleep medicine, and comprehensive dentistry.
Read the full profile
Financing and insurance
Total financial transparency.
Ask about membership savings, financing, major payment methods and HSA/FSA cards before starting treatment.
In-house membership
A simple savings plan for patients without traditional dental insurance, with preventive care such as routine exams, professional cleanings and needed digital diagnostic X-rays included under the plan terms.
Flexible payment options
Ask the office about Cherry financing, major credit and debit cards, personal checks, cash, and using HSA or FSA debit cards for medically necessary dental care.
Insurance support
We do not accept Medicaid payments. However, we're happy to provide you with financing options prior to your appointment.
Questions
Tooth extraction FAQ
Will you try to save my tooth before removing it?
Yes. Dentists prioritize saving natural teeth whenever possible. An extraction is recommended when a tooth cannot be restored, for example because of deep decay, severe gum disease or a structural fracture.
Does a tooth extraction hurt?
The team talks through comfort and anesthesia options with you before treatment begins. Some soreness afterward is common, and your dentist explains what to expect and how to manage it.
How long does recovery take?
Healing varies from person to person and depends on the tooth and your overall health. Follow the aftercare instructions you are given, and call the office if bleeding, pain or swelling gets worse instead of better.
Do I need to replace the tooth after an extraction?
It depends on which tooth it is and your goals. A gap can let neighboring teeth shift and can affect chewing, so replacement options such as crowns and bridges, implant crowns and bridges, or dentures are discussed while your treatment is planned.
Can I be seen for a painful tooth?
If you have tooth pain, a cracked tooth, a lost tooth, swelling or trauma, call (703) 276-1010 or use the appointment request link so the office can help with the next step.
Do you accept insurance or offer financing?
Virginia Dental Care does not accept Medicaid payments. The office is happy to provide financing options before your appointment, including an in-house membership plan, Cherry financing, major credit and debit cards, personal checks, cash, and HSA or FSA cards.
Where is the office and what are the hours?
915 N Quincy St, Arlington, VA 22203, near Ballston, Clarendon, Virginia Square, Courthouse and Rosslyn. Hours are Monday through Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; the office is closed Friday through Sunday.
Tooth pain or a tooth that needs attention?
Request an appointment online, or call the office. The office confirms the exact appointment time. For urgent pain, swelling or trauma, please call.
Arlington dental care
Find us near Ballston and Clarendon.
Virginia Dental Care
915 N Quincy St
Arlington, VA 22203
915 N Quincy St
Arlington, VA 22203
Mon-Thu: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Fri-Sun: Closed
Get directions
Fri-Sun: Closed