When a professional must remove a tooth from its socket, it is referred to as an extraction. When there is overcrowding in the mouth, due to the existence of extra teeth, as in the case for wisdom teeth, extractions may need to be performed to create adequate room in the mouth.

Often times, baby teeth take an excessive period of time and need to be removed to make space for permanent teeth, or for teeth that are shifting after being fitted for braces. Medications, illnesses and infections can also damage teeth and create a need for an extraction.