<p>candidate mom--I have yet to see where it states "get all impacted wisdom teeth removed before reporting on I-day." My son's letter states to fix any potential dental problems. Should we just pull all the teeth and go to dentures?
I am curious to see what Lizgirl finds out.
Anyone here ever heard of taking tylenol for the toothache to get you past the crisis? Maybe I just have a higher pain tolerance, but my wisdom teeth didn't hurt that bad even when they eventually needed to be pulled.</p>
<p>If the teeth have erupted, I wouldn't mind having them removed, but to pull 4 impacted teeth for the sake of a eliminating a possible problem later...I don't get it. What about tonsils or appendixes. I would hate for an appendix to rupture on the war zone. Strep throat can be pretty bad as well. Toothache you can live with.</p>
<p>My teeth were still impacted and it wasn't a big deal surgery. People do it all the time. I got it done because while they were stillimpacted on was pushing my other teeth around. Don't worry about it and just go get it done. I'm pretty sure miost dental coverages will take care of it.
And my recovery sucked. Took like a week and they wouldn't clot. But there are some horror stories, some not bad ones.</p>
<p>Had mine yanked while on active duty because our CO wanted the squadron to have an A-1 (or whatever it was) "dental rating". To qualify, everyone had to have current mouth inspection, all problems corrected, all wisdom teeth yanked. Everyone just did it. Mission accomplished.</p>
<p>I think the anxiety level (natural for this time of year) is getting the best of this thread. Not all wisdom teeth that have not yet erupted are "impacted". An "impacted tooth" refers to a tooth that has failed (operative word: failed) to emerge fully into its expected position either because there is not room enough in the jaw for the tooth, or because the angulation of the tooth is improper.</p>
<p>Your dentist or orthodontist can tell by looking at your x-rays if your wisdom teeth are poised to emerge gracefully, or if they are impacted. If there is no problem, forget about it. If they recommend removing them there is no good reason for ignoring the advice. Wisdom teeth coming in incorrectly are not only painful, but they will shift the teeth across your entire jawline, messing up your good looks!</p>
<p>My mid had all four removed less than two months before I-Day with no problems. Tylenol was all that was needed for pain. If you can get it done earlier, that would probably be a good idea. You will probably be told not to do any vigorous exercise for a week afterward, and the closer you get to I-Day the more that might effect your training.</p>
<p>Maybe I am changing my opinion a little...
Not surprised as this would have been the first time I didn't agree with the ZAPHOD!?!</p>
<p>From an article on wisdom tooth removal--</p>
<p>"If wisdom teeth can be removed when a person is in their late teens or early twenties there is a greater chance that the roots of the teeth will not yet be fully formed and the bone surrounding the teeth will be less dense. Both of these factors will make the extraction go easier. (Possibly the best time to have wisdom teeth extracted is when their roots are about one third to two thirds formed.) "</p>
<p>Complications
Parathesia
A hope of avoiding the complication of paresthesia is one reason why dentists suggest that wisdom teeth be removed when a patient is "young." As humans age on through their twenties the roots of their wisdom teeth continue to form and develop, making the teeth more difficult to extract without disturbing surrounding tissues (like nerves). The incidence of nerve damage for wisdom teeth removal runs as high as 10% after the age of 35, whereas it is rare for teenagers.</p>
<p>I still don't think this is mandatory before I-Day, though.</p>
<p>Most people do not have enough room in the mouth for the wisdom teeth to erupt into full and normal function. If the third molars are unerupted/nonfunctional or partially erupted, it can be potentially dangerous. The most common problem encountered with inpacted wisdom teeth is infection. The severity of the infection can range from a low grade local infection to a severe life-threatening infection of the face and neck. Cysts and tumors of the bone of the jaws may develop and can lead to fracture of the jaw, injury to adjacent teeth and nerves.Why wait until complications can occur. Removal at an early age is much easier for the patient and recovery time is remarkably shorter. Multiple comprehensive studies have been performed that confirm that early removal is the most appropriate treatment. Not only is the bone less dense in younger people, but the roots might not even be fully formed.</p>
<p>Thats why Jake is having his removed tommorrow. His dad doesn't want Jake to have any unpleasant dental surprises. At least we can control that!</p>
<p>Wisdom tooth removal is not "mandatory". Neither is appendix removal :) But removal is a very, very good idea if there is a problem with either!</p>
<p>Nobody needs to remove wisdom teeth that are growing in "normally". Normal means you have enough space in the jaw and that they are growing in the right direction. No dentist would recommend that normal wisdom teeth be removed nor does USNA. </p>
<p>The information that beam6 has posted is correct, but it does not mean that everyone should have wisdom teeth removed at a young age -- it means that IF your X-rays show that the teeth will never be able to come in normally then go ahead and get them out now. </p>
<p>The USNA guidelines are very, very clear: you are expected to arrive in good dental health. Get an exam. Get an X-Ray. Your dentist will know if the teeth need to be removed.</p>
<p>oiixxg--
Very well stated! That will be my plan!!
Great advice!!!</p>
<p>I know a current mid who got his wisdom teeth removed after I-Day. The only problem was that he got them removed and could not participate in Herdnon because he was still recovering. That would be a HUGE bummer.</p>
<p>beam6:</p>
<p>Chill.<br>
I quoted information presented by lizgirl06 as having been in a communication she received from USNA. ("get all impacted wisdom teeth removed before reporting on I-day". Read her post.) Obviously I have not seen it, and so must take this information on face value.</p>
<p>Don't be so defensive. If you have ever had wisdom teeth that were impacted (as in pushing sideways against the crown or root of an adjacent tooth from beneath the surface) and begin to erupt, it can be quite painful, beyond anything a simple tylenol can mimimize. A secondary effect is that the entire orientation of the rest of the teeth can be completely disrupted in relatively short time, never again to return to their previous orientation unless braces are applied.</p>
<p>Read you letter carefully. Get your panoramic X-ray. Listen to your dentist. Read your letter again. What does it really say? And remember that recovery is soooooo much better at home with your parents' TLC.
CM</p>
<p>
[quote]
Isn't following directions (orders) a big part of the committment to the military?
[/quote]
Maybe....but it will all be a mute point if you don't even get in because of a problem with the extraction before I-day.</p>
<p>Don't forget, your not in the military until you get there. A GOOD dentist with a history of X-rays can properly predict near term problems (<1 year out) without any reservations, but you have to ask the tough questions and see the data the answers are based on. Problem solving 101, just like engineering, medicine, law....:D</p>
<p>I have found the weekend warrior dentists at various bases to be excellent and they are often available to anyone who wants/needs them.</p>
<p>I would not be surprised if the dental associations recommend extractions at young ages because that is when; They have coverage, they are gulable and less inquiring, they are under the most consistent care (other than the military of course!), and it is before they go off and pay someone else! :D</p>
<p>I am with Dad2B'2010 on this one. It is REALLY not a problem if you cannot get your wisdom teeth extracted before you get there. They want them out before graduation. My Mid opted to have them extracted during Plebe year. They did a good job, they followed up and took care to make sure that everything healed OK. And as far as the TLC, the members of your company will make sure that you get some soft food for the day of that surgery. Your company mates become your family. The dentist is right in Bancroft and you can easily pop down there if any problem should arise. On PPW, you can visit with the various departments at booths set up in Dahlgren Hall. I spoke with the Dental Dept about a number of issues and was quite impressed with the level of expertise. USNA does a great job of taking care of the Mids.</p>
<p>Have to put in a good word here for Navy Medicine in general. With 20+ years (& seeing both sides of the operation - no pun intended!), we have been nothing but impressed. Just want all you parents to know that the Navy takes VERY good care of its people. In fact, we always preferred Navy Medicine over the civilian experiences we've had. Top notch all the way! </p>
<p>No problems with the dental care we've had either - I'd choose Navy care over civilian for either Medical or Dental. (I could go on here about civilian docs & dentists having to make money & all that, but I'm sure you all understand the economics of medical/dental practices). </p>
<p>Bottom line - if your local dentist tells you to anticipate problems, then I'd follow his advice, but when the time comes to rely on Navy, rest assured you will be well cared for!</p>
<p>I agree that the military has great medical.
Had DD#1 at Andrews AFB..those people were pros.
The nurses were very caring and visited with me while feedings during the night.
Had DD#2 at a civilian hospital..lucky to get my bed changed.
I had plastic surgery by the navy dentists during boot camp.
My company(Boot camp mates) made sure I ate peanut butter and icecream.</p>
<p>How did all this get started... on the rumor that wisdom teeth MUST be removed before I day?! </p>
<p>That is just not true. </p>
<p>If your dentist sees a problem - cavity, or bad wisdom teeth, it needs to be taken care of before June 28th. Otherwise, you are good to go.
Thanks for the "good words" about the Navy medical/dental profession! Good to hear!</p>
<p>Sorry if I have sounded "defensive."
I'm just trying to find out the facts, pro's and con's.
I haven't known anyone to have such unbelieveable pain with problematic wisdom teeth that they had to have them removed immediately. I had plenty of flare ups with mine. Toothaches are not fun, but I just didn't think they were all that bad!!
I guess sometimes they can be THAT bad...</p>
<p>Well, Jake is "out" on the couch after his oral surgery. I can't imagine having my kid be anywhere else than where I can take care of him after having this procedure done. I am grateful to be able to be by his side now. Bottom line: if you trust your dentist, do what he/she recommends. We have seen so many college kids with partially erupted third molars get into problems with extremely painful situations while they are away at school. They just don't attend to their dental needs in college the same way as when they were home with mom taking them every 6 months.</p>
<p>And to think that Jake thought he was going to be able to go to a school function tommorrow morning!</p>
<p>i talked to the head of medical stuff for admissions today, and she said they need to come out. However, my mom is being a little stubborn and is insisting on calling them back and explaining my "situation" with my teeth. she's also going to talk to the dentist as well, so i figure i'll let her figure it out and schedule everything. i just love take-charge parents--especially when they're my own.</p>
<p>FWIW our son did not have his removed before I-Day. In fact, he just had them taken out over Christmas break (he is still on our insurance and wanted to have it done while he was relaxing at home rather than in the hall). He is a youngster, and he recently served as escort for a second class who had his taken out. When he had the panorex for I-Day his teeth were still in the formative stage, yet he began to feel real discomfort during the fall term this year. Headaches, sinus problems, etc. and he was really a bear! He reports that he feels much better now and hasn't had a headache since. BTW his were severely impacted, coming in at 45 degrees and tipping many of his other teeth as they grew. Dang, they were gargantuan too! We kept them so I could show my second graders.:)</p>
<p>thats really funny. (that you kept them to show your second graders, not that they were causing him pain) Just out of curiousity, are you a teacher?</p>