Dental extractions are among the easiest and best ways to get relief from a toothache. As the name implies, an extraction involves removing the tooth. If your pulp has died or the tooth has become severely infected, extraction may be necessary. Depending on the tooth, the dentist can do either a simple extraction or a more complicated extraction.

Simple extractions

Simple extractions are the most common in the world of dentistry. During a simple extraction, the dentist will remove the tooth by loosening the gums around the socket. He will grasp the tooth with forceps and move it from side to side until he can get it to break free from the socket and remove it.

Simple extractions, also known as pulling, don't take long to complete. The dentist will numb you before he starts. Depending on the tooth, pulling it will normally take just a few minutes after you have been numbed with local anesthesia. Once completed, the dentist will place gauze in your mouth to bite on anad provide post-operative instructions.

Complex extractions

Not all teeth can be pulled easily. Sometimes, the tooth will be so decayed or broken off that the dentist will have nothing to grasp above the gum line. In cases such as this, the dentist will need to perform a more complicated extraction, which involves getting the tooth out below the gum line.

All types of extractions, even the most complex, will take time to heal. As long as you take care of your extraction site, you can help avoid common pitfalls such as dry sockets and other mishaps.

Wisdom Teeth

Also known as the third set of molars, the wisdom teeth are the last set of teeth in the mouth to erupt, which normally happens around the ages of 17 - 25. For many years, there has been a lot of controversy as to the need to remove these teeth.  If the teeth don't cause any harm or pain, they are normally allowed to stay in place. If they present a bad position or cause you a lot of pain or discomfort, they will need to be removed.

When the wisdom teeth first come in, they will sometimes be impacted. Impacted teeth will normally need to be extracted.

Depending on the shape, size, and the formation of the wisdom teeth, the removal process can vary from simple to comple. Once the extractions have been completed, there is normally little to no swelling involved. Your dentist may prescribe pain medicine for you.

After the removal of your wisdom teeth, your dentist will go over what you need to do to ensure the proper healing of your gums and mouth. You will be given information to review to help assure that no problems in the healing process. You won't be able to eat certain foods for the first 48 hours, which is to be expected.

Dry Sockets

A dry socket is a condition where the blood clot that forms after an extraction detaches itself from the socket walls. Sometimes, the clot will dissolve, leaving the bone exposed to food, the weather, and even saliva. Once the bone is exposed, it can become inflamed.

Even though they aren't life threatening like bleeding or abscesses, dry sockets can be extremely painful. They are very common following surgery, and happen to be one of the most painful post extraction complications. Dry sockets are more common with removal of the lower teeth than they are with removal of upper teeth. No matter what type of extraction you have performed, a dry socket can occur with any type.

Although there is really no way to prevent a dry socket, you can help to reduce the risk by following your after surgery directions. Those who are more at risk to dry sockets include those who smoke following extractions, and those who like to grind their teeth frequently. 

If you leave it alone, the dry socket will heal.  It will normally take around a month or so, although the pain will generally not abate during the healing period. The best way to treat a dry socket is to go back to your dentist and to have the socket re-packed. It doesn't take long to complete, and it can provide significant relief from the pain and help the healing process.