A tooth extraction is a simple dental procedure in which a tooth or multiple teeth are removed from the mouth. This may be done for various reasons, such as to remove a damaged or decayed tooth, to prepare the mouth for orthodontic treatment, to make room for other teeth to realign, or to correct an overcrowding issue. During the procedure, an oral surgeon will first numb the area around the affected tooth with local anesthesia and then use specialized instruments to gently loosen and remove it from its socket in the jaw.