An extraction is the complete removal of a primary or a permanent tooth. The most common reason for surgical extractions is the removal of third molars, often called wisdom teeth. There is often not enough room for the third molars to erupt normally so they must be extracted.

This panoramic x-ray shows the impacted 3rd molars (wisdom teeth).
The upper wisdom teeth are crowding the sinus cavity and may erode the roots of the 2nd molars. The lower wisdom teeth are impacted sideways and are likely to cause crowding of the lower teeth, leading to malocclusion.

Other reasons for extractions are:

• Advanced gum disease. This is the #1 reason adults loose their teeth!
• An abcessed tooth that cannot be saved.
• A tooth with decay too deep to save the tooth.
• A tooth that has broken at the gum line and cannot be saved.
• Some Orthodontic cases require that one or more teeth be extracted.

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