Tooth extractions are performed by a dentist or oral surgeon and is a relatively quick outpatient procedure with either local, general, intravenous anesthesia, or a combination. Removing visible teeth is a simple extraction. Teeth that are broken, below the surface, or impacted require a more involved procedure. Some reasons to perform a tooth extraction include tooth infection or potential for infection, or a tooth that is badly damaged from trauma or decay. Dentists and oral surgeons perform tooth extractions. Before pulling the tooth, the dentist will give the patient an injection of a local anesthetic to numb the area where the tooth will be removed. In some instances, the dentist may use a strong general anesthetic. This will prevent pain throughout the patient’s body and make them sleep through the procedure.

To treat a cavity, the dentist may remove the decayed portion of the tooth and then "fill" the area on the tooth where the decayed material was removed. This is the process of applying dental fillings. Fillings are also used to repair cracked or broken teeth and teeth that have been worn down from misuse, such as from nail-biting or tooth grinding.