Extraction is the complete removal of a primary or a permanent tooth. An extraction can be surgical or non-surgical, depending on the level of difficulty. For example, when a tooth is impacted, has curved roots, or is severely decayed, it will often require minor oral surgery to remove it. It is sometimes advantageous to place a bone graft into the socket at the completion of the extraction to preserve the ridge and prevent the bone to shrink in height and width.
Reasons for an extraction are:

• Advanced Gum Disease. This is the #1 reason adults loose their teeth!
• An abscessed tooth that cannot be saved.
• A tooth with decay too severe to save the tooth.
• A tooth that has broken at the gum line and cannot be saved.
• Impacted tooth (typically a "Wisdom Tooth")
• Some Orthodontic cases require that one or more teeth be extracted.

Also, when an extraction is performed, it is important to put something in the place of the missing tooth or teeth. If the space is just left open, your teeth may shift and cause unnecessary complications. An extracted tooth may be replaced by a bridge, implant, or denture.