<p>I sent in my panoramic x-rays and recieved a reply letter indicating that I needed to have my wisdom teeth removed prior to R-DAY (thanks a lot, Keller, for giving me seven whole weeks to do this). But after visiting the oral surgeon, I'm completely freaked out. Apparently, my wisdom teeth are impacted--that is, they are under the edges of my jawbone, and I'll have to undergo complete sedation to have them removed. Additionally, the position of a certain nerve in my face is such that there's a risk of the surgeon nicking it and causing me partial face paralyzation.</p>
<p>Anyone know if these risks are, well...as risky as they sound? If there's anyone out there with a similar dental condition, pls let me know how surgery went for you...I have this fear of becoming paralyzed and then the DoDMERB telling me "sorry, you'll have to get a waiver for this..."</p>
<p>Hee hee...the DoDMERB plays a starring role in most of my nightmares lately.</p>
<p>All 4 of my wisdom teeth were impacted and were taken out Spring 2004. Surgery could ot have gone any better....just a little bleeding the first day. After 3 days, I was eating solid foods again. Like I said, it was a breeze, and I didn't even have to take my pain killers. One thing, though, the dentist told me not to sneeze of blow my nose becuase there was a rish that I would blow a hole in my sinuses.</p>
<p>My suggestion would be to quickly get a second opinion from another oral surgeon and make sure you have the best oral surgeon do the work. I see you live in Missouri - I'd go to Kansas City or St. Louis and get the best to do it.</p>
<p>Hastellion: Your dentist gave you the standard due diligence for impacted wisdom teeth. Risk of complications is low but is real so your doctor is doing his/her job by informing you. Just make sure your oral surgeon does a lot of this type of surgery and you should be fine. You may want to ask about the cost. I was stunned to get a $1500 bill for our son's treatment.</p>
<p>Our son had identical situation and warnings. His surgery was two weeks ago and went well - no paralysis. Surgery was on a Friday morning and he was back to school Monday. He was somewhat swollen for 2-3 days and back to solids by end of 3rd day. He took pain medication first day but switched to advil since medication made him queesy.</p>
<p>Here's an idea for icing your cheeks. It may sound strange and you will look goofy - but it works great.</p>
<p>Take some 3x5 inch sponges (four or six should do it), soak them in water, put each sponge in a sandwich-sized ziplock bag and freeze them (Do this before your surgery so they are frozen when you get home). Take a long nylon sock or support hosiery, cut off foot end, and put a twist in the middle. Put one sponge in each end of the tube/sock and put the sock around your face so that one sponge is on each side of your jaw. Tie sock on top of your head. ( You can use a scarf if you want). Replace sponges as needed.</p>
<p>I'm a dentist and have had hundreds of patients go through this.</p>
<p>Aspen is currect in that your surgeon was just giving you informed consent. Permanent parasthesias are rare, but they do happen. Just like Aspen's son, most who have this done are back to normal activities by the third day. Pay particular attention to the post op instructions and you should do fine.</p>
<p>Aspen-- your sponge idea is the best! I am SO doing that after surgery. It shouldn't matter how goofy I look since I'll already look like a puffed up chipmunk. Remind me Jun 3 to take some before and after pics. That's when the surgery is.</p>
<p>Big Green--I'm going to do it in St. Louis with a guy named Dr. Bedrock, who said he gets a lot of Army referrals.</p>
<p>Believe it or not, DODMERB did you a favor. Much better to have this done now, while you can get some TLC at home, than in the barracks at WP during your plebe year.</p>
<p>I agree with KateLewis and others. Get it over with. My daughter had all 4 wisdom teeth - yes, they were impacted - removed last month. She had a bad weekend, and one side did not heal so quickly so she was very uncomfortable for at least a week. So, she's really glad to have it over with - especially with good smoothies at home and school.</p>
<p>The issue with wisdom teeth is the same as with braces. The dental resources are limited, so they expect that Prospective Cadets show up on R-Day with these problems resolved.</p>
<p>Doug received a letter from Keller saying that he could report on 6/27 with no problem, but they RECOMMENDED that he have his wisdom teeth removed. Our dentist told him when the x-rays were taken that he shouldn't have any problems for at least two years. Doug's wisdom teeth are still below the surface.</p>
<p>I called Keller, and they told me that the wisdom teeth didn't need to be removed prior to reporting. I also e-mailed Doug's Regional Commander, and I was told there would not be a problem. </p>
<p>Maybe "audiophile" should comment as he is a dentist, but if it was recommended to have the wisdom teeth removed, perhaps they should be removed. I say this as the more they grow, especially if they are heading towards impaction, the harder they will be to remove later. It is common in our area for dentists to remove wisdom teeth earlier now as the procedure is not as traumatic on the patient. I realize that there are also financial implications (family funded vs. Army funded) depending on when the procedure occurs. I know from personal experience as I had mine removed when I was a Sophomore in college. All had to be cut out and broken apart (drilled and chiseled) and it took me about 3 days to recover. Both my sons had theirs removed when they were Sophomores in high school and both recovered in about a day. [Sorry for the graphic descriptions.]</p>
<p>I just had mine removed, and it was a breeze for the most part. The best part? I used to have headaches almost every day, and now with the teeth out, I haven't had a headache in a month! Perhaps it's simply a placebo effect, but I'm happy either way.</p>
<p>I deliberately didn't comment, because I didn't want to interfere with Doug's patient-dr. relationship, but since you brought it up I'll speak on general terms.</p>
<p>I agree with you. I generally recommend impacted third molars be removed before teens leave for college. Two reasons-economic, if there is dental insurance, they are still covered by parents' plan; and practical, why wait until there's a problem and child may be away from home? As far as Army dentist taking them out, I may be incorrect, but I don't think you'd have choice of dentist. It may be an experienced military board certified oral surgeon or a general dentist who just joined the military fresh out of dental school doing it for the first time.</p>
<p>I have had to return parent's frantic calls (usually on weekend) telling me their child is in college, taking finals and wisdom teeth have flared up. I don't know why, but this is always when it happens. Then we have to decide: do I Rx narcotic pain relievers which will affect their studying, find a local oral surgeon or have them come home, etc, etc.</p>
<p>As GEB pointed out, it is almost always better to have it done sooner, then later.</p>
<p>
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The best part? I used to have headaches almost every day, and now with the teeth out, I haven't had a headache in a month! Perhaps it's simply a placebo effect, but I'm happy either way
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</p>
<p>It is entirely possible that this is more than a placebo effect. Wisdom teeth can cause bite problems leading to muscle tension headaches.</p>
<p>I got a letter a couple weeks ago from USAFA stating that having wisdom teeth is a potential problem. After getting x-rays and a dentist's recommendation for removal, I got an appointment for the oral surgeon today and had them taken out. </p>
<p>My opinion? Get them out as soon as you can. It's a small price to pay, for the trouble you'll save later on.</p>
<p>Is a dental exam etc.. still a part of the physical examination? I had read that the Academys were not requiring them currenty. I could very well be mistaken though.</p>
<p>Oregon Mom
The dental exam is no longer a part of the physical examination---however, once a candidate is offered an appointment and has accepted he/she is sent forms for their dentist to fill out concerning their dental health. Each candidate is also required to have panoramic and bitewing xrays taken by their dentist and mailed to the academy. Shortly after you do this WP Dental sends a letter with their findings. In my daughter's case she was told she was fine (has all 4 wisdom teeth still below the surface).</p>
<p>Is naval accademy the same re: no dental exam? I don't have a problem except we didn't want to have to rush and get the third molars removed before the physical. "Dad" is a dentist but sometimes its harder to schedule your own family! </p>
<p>Should my son have his medical records with him for the exam?</p>
<p>All candidates for any of the Service Academies or ROTC Programs take the same examination. However, the requirements may differ for the various programs. For example USNA and USAFA need pilots, so 20/20 vision is required (although waivers may be possible). Whereas, USMA does not require 20/20 vision. As someone else noted, the dental exam is not included at this time.</p>