EXTRACTION
I have an ice-pack that I've been holding to my face for most of the last couple of hours. The dentist removed the remains of the tooth that broke-off at the gum-line about a month ago. The root came out in a single piece and without too much pulling. My face is still numb but I don't feel or look too beat-up. I have an appoint with someone in the office at 2 p.m. and then I think I'll take my ice-pack and go home. Thank God for the dentist and helpers.

Tuesday Update: Even after I regained feeling in my face there was no significant pain, no swelling, no suffering -- pretty much the best case scenario.