I had all four out at age 16, before they'd grown in. It was part of a pain-killer study so we didn't even have to pay for it . I also got the general anesthesia, so I was out for the procedure. I remember my last thoughts beforehand, right after they put in the IV, were "I wonder how long it takes to take effect?" The feeling I had when I woke up finally made it clear why some people like drugs so much, at least until it wore off and turned to dull aching.

As for the next few days, all I can say is, "Thank God for applesauce." The least pleasant part was the hollows in the back of my mouth where they had been. Until they filled in a couple weeks later food would get caught back there, and I couldn't use a toothpick to get it out for fear of reopening the incision. Yuck.

Anyway, I was in great dental health after that . . . at least until that bike wreck in '02 made me have to replace a few of my front and center teeth. Much less fun.

Ajax