A dental extraction is the removal of a tooth from the mouth. Extractions can be performed for several reasons including severe tooth decay or infection, tooth damage due to breakage, severe gum disease, impacted wisdom teeth, and removal of teeth to make space for orthodontic treatment.

Extractions can be simple or surgical. Simple extractions are performed on teeth that are visible and easily accessible in the mouth. Simple extractions do not require an incision, and are performed under local anesthetic. Surgical extractions involve the removal of teeth that are hard to reach because they have broken under the gum line or because they have not erupted fully. Surgical extractions require an incision, and may be performed using sedation such as nitrous oxide.