The need for tooth extractions in the deciduous dentition can arise for several reasons. The most obvious indication is teeth with deep carious lesions that are either infected and beyond the possibilities of endodontic treatment or where a successful restoration cannot be achieved or is not useful given the limited time until normal exfoliation. Other reasons for extraction can include ectopic eruption of the permanent successor, trauma, pathologic resorptions and orthodontic reasons.

Whilst extraction of an already mobile deciduous tooth can be an easy task – one that can actually be performed by the young patient themselves – extractions of deciduous molars in young children, where the roots are not yet resorbed, may be a challenge even for experienced dentists. Surgical interventions in children always require a profound local anaesthesia to prevent traumatisation of the patient, which might otherwise result in negative attitudes towards dentistry.