When something is difficult, we often say it's like pulling teeth -- but in reality, a tooth extraction is a routine procedure that helps prevent more serious dental problems.

The most common tooth extractions are wisdom teeth extractions, but your dentist may also remove a tooth if it's coming in at an angle, threatening the position of other healthy teeth or contributing to overcrowding in the mouth.

In some cases, a broken tooth may also need to be extracted, as well as teeth with significant tooth decay that cannot be treated by a root canal. Patients with advanced gum disease may be considered for an extraction as well.

While it's your dentist's goal to do everything to save your tooth, in the end, removing a potentially harmful tooth can spare you time, money and discomfort.

During your appointment, your dentist will typically use an X-ray to determine if an extraction is necessary. You'll also be asked to go over your dental history, including any past problems with extractions, current medications and medical conditions. Keep in mind that it's important to be honest -- as well as detailed -- when you disclose this information, because it will help your dentist determine the proper treatment for you.

Feeling a little anxious about a tooth extraction is understandable -- although an extraction is one of the most straightforward oral surgery procedures, it's still surgery. One way to relieve your jitters is to learn what's involved in a tooth extraction, so don't feel shy about asking your dentist plenty of questions.

Your dentist may give you more details, but in general, a tooth extraction goes like this: To start, you'll receive a local anesthetic to numb the tooth, jawbone and surrounding gums. Using a sterilized dental tool, your dentist, or oral surgeon, will first rock the tooth back and forth, and then rotate it to widen the socket for easier extraction. Because your pain receptors have been numbed, you may sense a dull pressure during this process, but shouldn't feel any pain. When the tooth is fully detached, your dentist will remove it and cover the exposed gum with a small piece of gauze.

Unlike some dental procedures, most tooth extractions are complete in a matter of minutes, so you don't have to worry about sitting in the dental chair for long.

After your extraction, your dentist or dental hygienist will explain what you can do to help ensure that you heal properly. Be sure to follow your dentist's guidelines to a "t" -- they can help you avoid complications and discomfort.

In most cases, your dentist will advise you to bite gently on gauze for 30 minutes to an hour. Additional instructions may include:

• Applying ice to the jaw area if you experience swelling
• Continuing to brush, but avoiding the area surrounding the extraction
• Gently rinsing your mouth with water
• Taking an antibiotic or pain reliever, if needed
• Avoiding smoking or using a straw for at least 24 hours

You may also be advised to stay away from certain foods and strenuous activity for the first few days. The good news is with proper care, your mouth should start to feel normal again in 1-2 weeks.

However, keep in mind that any discomfort you feel should improve, not increase, with every new day. If you start to experience a dull, throbbing pain in the extraction site 3-4 days following, contact your dentist immediately. Your dentist can determine whether you have dry socket, a condition that sometimes affects women, smokers and patients over the age of 30.

If you suspect that one of your teeth may need to be extracted, don't waste time guessing -- your dentist is the only one who can give you a definite answer. Although it may be difficult to believe that one little tooth can make such a big difference, a tooth extraction can help ensure that your teeth stay healthy, evenly spaced and toothache-free.