Final answer:
Serial extractions of primary or permanent teeth are performed for orthodontic reasons or space management, often when dental arch space is insufficient for all permanent teeth.
Step-by-step explanation:
A serial extraction of primary or permanent teeth is performed only when there is an orthodontic or space management issue that cannot be corrected by other means. This procedure might be necessary when the dental arch is too small to accommodate all of the permanent teeth, potentially leading to crowding, misalignment, or other issues. The timing for these extractions is carefully planned to utilize the natural growth changes that occur during dental development. Generally, this involves stages when deciduous teeth, which are the first set of teeth also referred to as baby or milk teeth, are lost, and permanent teeth, which are the second set of teeth including incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, emerge. This typically occurs during middle childhood. Sometimes, the wisdom teeth, which are the third molars emerging in early adulthood, may also be extracted if they remain impacted or cause crowding.