A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions are performed for a wide variety of reasons, including tooth decay that has destroyed enough tooth structure to render the tooth non-restorable.

The most common reason for extraction is tooth damage due to breakage or decay. There are additional reasons for tooth extraction:

• Severe tooth decay or infection (acute or chronic alveolar abscess).
• Extra teeth which are blocking other teeth from coming in.
• Severe gum disease which may affect the supporting tissues and bone structures of teeth.
• In preparation for orthodontic treatment (braces)
• Teeth in the fracture line
• Fractured teeth
• Prosthetics; teeth detrimental to the fit or appearance of dentures
• Cosmetic; teeth of poor appearance, unsuitable for restoration
• Receiving radiation to the head and neck may require extraction of teeth in the field of radiation.

Types of Extraction

Extractions are often characterized as “simple” or “surgical”

Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible in the mouth, usually under local anesthesia, and require only the use of instruments to elevate and/or grasp the visible portion of the tooth.

Surgical extractions involve the removal of teeth that cannot be easily accessed, either because they have broken under the gum line or because they have not erupted fully. Surgical extractions almost always require an incision. In a surgical extraction the doctor may elevate the soft tissues covering the tooth and bone and may also remove some of the overlying and/or surrounding jawbone tissue with a drill or osteotome. Frequently, the tooth may be split into multiple pieces to facilitate its removal. Surgical extractions are usually performed under general anesthesia.