Certain situations such as infection, orthodontic corrections, or problems with a wisdom tooth can require a tooth extraction. In order to extract a tooth, your dentist needs to expand the socket in which the root of the tooth is encased, and separate the tooth from a ligament holding it in place. Once a tooth has been removed, the neighboring teeth may shift, causing problems with chewing or with your jaw joint.

• To avoid such complications, your dentist may recommend that you replace the extracted tooth. Replacements could include implants, partial dentures, and bridges.