---
title: "What Is Tooth extraction? Dental Glossary | Town Center Dental"
description: "A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. A dentist does it when other treatments cannot save the tooth."
url: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-extraction
publisher: Town Center Dental
phone: +1-636-273-5866
quote: https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment
---

Procedures

# Tooth extraction

A tooth extraction is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. A dentist does it when other treatments cannot save the tooth.

A tooth extraction is when a dentist removes your tooth from its socket. Dentists usually recommend extraction when other treatments are not enough to save your natural tooth. An extraction might be needed if you have dental trauma, damage or decay, advanced gum disease, an impacted tooth or crowded teeth.

If you need an extraction, your dentist will first numb the area to lessen any discomfort. After the extraction, your dentist will give you a plan to follow for the days after. Following it helps protect the [blood clot](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/blood-clot-socket-clot) and lowers the chance of [dry socket](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dry-socket-alveolar-osteitis).

Our office describes removals on its [tooth extraction page](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/tooth-extraction). If a tooth is removed, ask about ways to replace it, such as a [dental bridge](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dental-bridge) or a dental implant.

[Town Center Dental can helpTooth Extraction](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/services/tooth-extraction)

## Related terms

-   [Surgical extraction](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/surgical-extraction)
-   [Tooth socket](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/tooth-socket)
-   [Dry socket (alveolar osteitis)](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/dry-socket-alveolar-osteitis)
-   [Post-operative instructions](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/post-operative-instructions)
-   [Wisdom tooth removal](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/glossary/wisdom-tooth-removal)

## Sources

1.  [Cleveland Clinic: Tooth Extraction: Surgery & Healing](https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/22120-tooth-extraction)
2.  [MouthHealthy (ADA): Extractions](https://www.mouthhealthy.org/all-topics-a-z/extractions)

## Ready when you are

[Request an appointment](https://towncenterdental.multisites.ai/request-appointment)[Call (636) 273-5866](tel:+1-636-273-5866)