“What's the difference between a tooth extraction and a surgical tooth extraction?”

The 2021 ADA CDT book defines an "extraction, erupted tooth or exposed root (elevation and/or forcepts removal)"- as a procedure that includes removal of tooth structure, minor smoothing of socket bone, and closure, as necessary. An "extraction of an erupted tooth requiring removal of bone and/or sectioning of the tooth, including elevation of a mucoperiosteal flap (if indicated)"- includes related cutting of gingiva and bone, removal of tooth structure, and smoothing of socket bone and closure.

Hi, Simple tooth extractions remove visible teeth. They are usually performed by a general dentist. A surgical extraction is a little bit more complicated; it involves a tooth that is impacted inside the jaw and cannot be removed without making an incision, or a broken tooth under the bone level and handpiece is needed to drill around the tooth to be able to remove it. I hope this was helpful!!