Tooth extraction is a common dental procedure that may be necessary when a tooth is damaged beyond repair, decayed, or infected. The procedure may involve removing a single tooth or multiple teeth, depending on the severity of the problem. The dentist will use local anesthesia to numb the area before carefully removing the tooth with specialized tools. In some cases, the tooth may need to be sectioned before extraction to minimize trauma to the surrounding bone and tissue. After the extraction, the patient may experience some discomfort, but pain medication and follow-up care can help to manage any discomfort or swelling.