A dental extraction is the permanent removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. In broad terms there are two categories of extraction:

• Routine general extraction where the tooth is visible in the mouth and easily grasped by forceps.
• Surgical extraction is required when a tooth has not yet broken through the gum or is not easily removed.

An extraction may be required for a range of circumstances including:

• Tooth fracture, gum disease or decay
• Removal of wisdom teeth
• Abscessed or infected tooth
• Orthodontic treatment. Permanent or deciduous teeth may need to be removed to allow other teeth to be moved into place
• Extra teeth. Extraction may be required in some cases where the mouth is overcrowded