Wisdom Teeth!
by Jackie Mason on June 20, 2008

Lori Lancaster | June 20, 2008
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Scott Hardie | June 20, 2008
Growing up, I didn't like my family dentist. (Does anybody really?) So when I became an adult and I needed my wisdom teeth removed the summer after high school, I did what most dumb young uninsured men do, and went to the most convenient place. This happened to be the mall.

Do you think the dentist in the mall has money for anesthetic? I didn't learn until years later that other dentists will actually put you to sleep for wisdom teeth removal. I got some laughing gas and a shot of novocaine. As he pried loose the second of four teeth, I couldn't stand the pain any more and pleaded with him to stop. I didn't keep the appointment to remove the other two teeth; they're still in my head today.

Even worse: When I came home alone from the dentist with a screaming headache, a thunderstorm knocked out power to the house. Too loud to sleep. No activity to distract me. I just sat in a chair for hours waiting for the pain to subside.

I didn't go back to a dentist for ten years. My dental health has been good in spite of this, as if even my teeth are afraid to go back.

Lori Lancaster | June 20, 2008
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Denise Sawicki | June 20, 2008
I've had all my wisdom teeth for years and they're fine. I think I got them when I was 21 or something. The dentist made some comment about pulling them out but my mom argued with him and said not to so I got to leave them in. Sometimes they have to come out of course but apparently sometimes it's just a scheme for the dentist to buy a new boat or something?!? Anyway my mom claimed I have good teeth because of hybrid genes since I'm like 7 different nationalities. Don't know if that really has anything to do with it though :P

Jackie Mason | June 26, 2008
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Denise Sawicki | June 26, 2008
I'm sure it's true if they're crooked, just apparently a lot of dentists want to pull them no matter what, which isn't always necessary as evidenced by your mom and myself. That is funny you actually had that conversation with a dentist. :) Hope he wasn't mad or anything - he's got sharp tools :P.