Yes, I know, I shouldn't smoke...nevertheless, I do, about a half pack a day. Brief background - I have RRMS, TMJ and periodontal disease (told it was caused by a combination of MS meds and genetics).

I had a root canal in lower molar 21 years ago. Had an infection under the tooth a couple of months ago. My dentist gave me antibiotics and said I could either have a repeat root canal or extraction. He said if it were his tooth, he'd have an extraction. I was leaning towards a second root canal but when I went back for a cleaning, my dentist said he took a closer look at the x-ray and recommended extraction only. So lucky me, I go in the day after Valentine's Day.

I am no stranger to having extractions/oral surgery. I had four permanent teeth pulled as a child due to overcrowding and had my impacted wisdom teeth surgically removed, which was an extremely painful experience that left me virtually unable to open my mouth or eat for well over a week.

I've read several of the extraction posts and recommendations and I already have my arnica on its way. I guess my main concern is keeping the pain - either from the extraction itself or my TMJ - to an absolute bare minimum and trying to avoid dry socket at all costs.

Any helpful hints/suggestions? I am almost positive the dentist won't prescribe pain meds. If he does, it will be hydrocodone which makes me barf every time so I refuse to take it.