Extraction

The extraction of a tooth, also known as exodontia, is the removal of teeth from the dental alveolus. Teeth may be removed from sockets for various reasons including orthodontics (e.g. to straighten crooked or crowded teeth), periodontal disease (e.g. chronic infections and advanced bone loss around an infected tooth) and trauma (e.g. because it has been knocked out).

Orthodontic dentistry involves using braces to alter the position or shape of teeth and often includes tooth extractions (for example removal of wisdom teeth to make space for other teeth in the dentition). Tooth extraction is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by dentists all over the world. It can be performed using a dental drill, with manual tools, or an oral sedative depending on the situation and procedure being used for a tooth removal.