There are some situations in which a tooth may be severely damaged and unable to be saved. In such cases it is necessary that the tooth be removed. Tooth extraction, in conjunction with oral surgery, is sometimes used to prepare your mouth for a cosmetic or restorative treatment such as dentures or dental implants. If a tooth has been extracted, the bone in the area of the missing tooth has a tendency to recede. A bone graft may be performed to preserve the height of the bone and maintain functional dental health.