A dentist is a medical professional who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity. One of the most common procedures performed by dentists is tooth extraction, which is the removal of a tooth from its socket in the jawbone. Tooth extraction may be necessary for a variety of reasons, including tooth decay, gum disease, or trauma.
Tooth extraction is a relatively simple procedure that can be performed in a dentist's office under local anesthesia. The dentist will first numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic, and then use a pair of forceps to loosen and remove the tooth. In some cases, the dentist may need to make an incision in the gum tissue in order to access the tooth. Once the tooth has been removed, the dentist will clean the socket and place a gauze pad over it to stop the bleeding.