What is the term for the removal of teeth?

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Tooth Extraction (Exodonture)

The removal of teeth is called "extraction" or "exodonture" in dental terminology. 1, 2

Terminology and Definition

  • Extraction is the standard term used in modern dental practice to describe the surgical procedure of removing teeth from the dental alveolus (tooth socket) 2, 3
  • The term "exodonture" is also used, particularly in formal medical literature, to describe this technique and procedure 3
  • In Spanish-speaking contexts, the term "avulsión dental" specifically refers to traumatic tooth loss or complete displacement of a tooth from its socket, which is distinct from planned surgical extraction 1

Clinical Context

  • Tooth extraction remains one of the oldest and most routinely performed surgical procedures in dental medicine, commonly performed by general practitioners and dental undergraduates 2
  • The procedure has evolved significantly since the 19th century, when the development of local anesthesia and radiology established modern surgical dentistry 4
  • Modern extraction techniques prioritize atraumatic extraction to preserve hard and soft tissues in the extraction site, which is essential for successful outcomes and aesthetically pleasing results of subsequent dental restoration 2

Historical Note

  • Tooth extraction was likely the first dental treatment in human history, with the tooth forceps serving as its historical symbol 5
  • Ancient practitioners used various medicaments attempting to facilitate painless extraction, though forceps were ultimately necessary when conservative measures failed 5

References

1
Guideline

Avulsión Dental: Diagnóstico y Tratamiento

Praxis Medical Insights: Practical Summaries of Clinical Guidelines, 2025

3
Research

Exodonture. Technique and art.

The New York state dental journal, 1992

4
Research

[Historical development of surgical wisdom tooth extraction].

Fortschritte der Kiefer- und Gesichts-Chirurgie, 1995

5
Research

Tooth Extraction in Antiquity.

Journal of the history of dentistry, 2020

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This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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