A surgical tooth extraction is the procedure your dentist uses if your tooth has not been dislodged or already broken the gumline. Surgical extractions are performed by a dentist who specializes in oral surgery. Anesthesia and a local numbing agent will be administered before the procedure to help relax the patient and minimize pain and discomfort. Then, the dentist or oral surgeon will make a small incision in the gum line around the tooth and extract it.