Tooth extraction eliminates any problems associated with a given tooth, such as infection, major damage or impaction. Tooth extraction can be used to create room in a crowded mouth making space for orthodontic work. Depending on the tooth location and patient circumstances, artificial teeth (e.g., crowns, implants, bridges) can be used as substitutes for missing teeth.

Tooth extraction is associated with a number of risks including:

• Dry socket. A common complication resulting in severe pain. The blood clot that protects the socket and reduces healing time either does not form normally or is lost. Dentists typically attempt to prevent dry socket, but if it does occur, it is only temporary and it can be treated.
  
  
• Damage to nearby teeth and dental appliances. The neighboring teeth or dental appliances (e.g., crowns, bridges, implants, braces) may occasionally be damaged during the procedure.
  
  
• Prolonged pain or stiffness of the jaw. In some cases, a tooth extraction can lead to jaw pain and stiffness of the jaw (trismus), which can make the mouth difficult to open.
  
  
• Infection. Infection can occur after a tooth has been extracted. Bacteria enters at the extraction site and travels through the bloodstream to a susceptible part of the body. This is most common in patients with a weakened immune system, with certain conditions (e.g., heart murmur) or artificial implants (e.g., knee or hip implants). If a patient has a high risk of infection the dentist will generally prescribe antibiotics before and after the extraction.
  
  
• Incomplete extraction. A portion of the tooth may be left in the jawbone, increasing the risk of infection. However, there are some instances where a small root tip is intentionally left in the jaw because removing it would be too risky (e.g., potential for damaging a major nerve).
  
  
• Damage to the sinus cavities, nerves or jaw. The sinus cavities above the upper jaw may occasionally be damaged, which increases the risk of infection and may require another surgery to repair. The inferior alveolar nerve, an important nerve in the lower jaw, can also be damaged. Nerve damage is usually temporary and heals in three to six months although it may rarely cause permanent numbness in the lower lip and chin. Prolonged numbness may also occur due to inflammation of the nerves. Patients with a weak jawbone (e.g., those with osteoporosis) may have a risk of jaw fracture.
  
  
• Other complications. Rarely, patients taking certain medications may experience other complications. For example, recent studies suggest that patients taking a common drug for menopause symptoms who undergo tooth extractions or certain other dental procedures may experience increased deterioration of the jawbone. Thorough dental examinations are typically recommended before beginning these medications, and procedures such as tooth extractions may need to be avoided while on this medications.