<p>I read that it is strongly encouraged that you have your wisdom teeth removed, and that if they are "partially" grown through and your jaw is not "fit" to accomadate them, you could be turned away at R-Day...Is this information accurate? My wisdom teeth have somewhat grown through over these last two years and because my mom is retired navy, our dental plan is no longer there. My family cannot really afford to get them removed, I dont really know how much it costs, but if a cleanup is $204 (had one last week to fill out the dental form West Point sent), than i am guessing that removing your wisdom teeth could be in the thousands. Is it really essential to have them removed? How do I know if my jaw is fit to "accomodate" them by west point's standards? and Is there a possiblilty that West Point would really turn me away on R-day or during Beast over this issue? Thanks for any input, I am a little curious/stressed because the West Point dental form did not mention anything about the status of my wisdom teeth. </p>
<p>I have no clue about the policies, but as ballpark figure for the cost, I just got mine removed and it was $1300 with general anesthesia and without dental insurance (it would have been $1000 without going under).</p>
<p>At your cleaning, your dentist should have been able to give you some info on the condition, need for removal, etc. Call and ask him what his exam showed. Then, call WP and ask them your questions.</p>
<p>I recently had my wisdom teeth removed, as my dentist recommended it (he was a retired Army dentist and knew the implications of needing them removed after R-Day). I think the cost was somewhere under $2000 with general anesthesia. Overall, not the best experience of my life. But I guess I better get used to that feeling. Haha</p>
<p>Mine grew in perfectly and I've never had a problem with them, the most the dentist told me during Beast was to take care of them so he won't have to pull them later for being neglected. I would say don't get them pulled unless they didn't grow in straight or that they might be a problem - otherwise, leave your mouth alone.</p>
<p>Most people do not have the jaw to accommodate the additional teeth. Also, they tend to mess w/ all the pretty teeth the orthodontia fixed. Often there is a "missing tooth" and if you only have 3 come in, your bite will not line up. No matter the decision, it needs to be made by consulting a dentist or oral surgeon.</p>
<p>You dentist can take a panoramic x-ray of your mouth. this will show the wisdom teeth and what they are doing under the gum.
The dentist and oral surgeon can determine if they need to come out. The "best" time seems to be when they are 'ripe' - with some root but not so the root is too deep. Waiting too long can cause complications with the extraction for sure.</p>
<p>Champs06 - what you need to do is call you dentist and call WP. If they are not bothering you right now - the you can probably wait and get them out on Army's dime.
Anyone with dental insurance that covers wisdom teeth extraction should definitely see an oral surgeon and get a determination - that way you can just get them out before you report.</p>
<p>Thanks for all the input...honestly i have never noticed anything with my wisdom teeth, no pressure or comfort problems or anything, they are just there i guess...but it seems it is up to the docs on the decision...I will call the dentist and ask about the x-rays i already had done, but can anyone answer this question...Is it possible to get turned away on R-Day or during beast over this seemingly small issue of wisdom teeth? I can not explain how nice it would be to get sworn in with no suprises that include "go ahead and take the next flight home..." :) but seriously, is it possible to get turned away over wisdom teeth? Thanks all</p>
<p>Champs06: I can't imagine that you would be turned away on R-day because you have not had wisdom teeth extracted - especially if they are not symptomatic. Have you sent your dental x-rays in yet? If you you are instructed to have your wisdom teeth removed, explain to admissions that you do not have insurance - they will understand and work with you :).</p>
<p>Oh! Excellent...Thank You Ann, that was another one of my big questions...how do I even know IF my jaw is able to "accomodate" them? Yes, I sent in that form, so your saying THEY will tell me if I need to get them out? and yea, the x-rays were in that package...thanks ann for the info, honestly helpfull</p>
<p>I just want to add that before you decide to get your wisdom teeth out before R-Day, call WP first. It is now approx. 2 months to R-Day and not a good idea to do something that may mess up your eligibility.</p>
<p>Since you've sent in your x-rays and you haven't heard that there is a problem, there probably isn't.</p>
<p>If you have any questions about doing anything - ASK WP FIRST!!! This falls into the "wrap in bubble wrap" category.</p>
<p>not necessarily... HMO's do not always cover this...anything w/ the mouth starts to get dicey. Our HMO provides no coverage for anything remotely dental (TMJ, wisdom teeth). Check your policy and/or call the number on your card.</p>
<p>blue cross blue shield does. there are many other medical issues that can arise from impacted wisdom teeth. that is why they cover their removal.</p>
<p>Again, refer to terms of your policy. In the last 4 years, while a member of Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO, I had wisdom teeth removed for two kids; neither was a covered benefit. I had to file w/ my dental and pay the difference myself. No portion was covered by my BCBS health insurance. Policies differ from company to company and from state to state...check your policy...hopefully it's all covered, but you cannot count on it until you read your benefits summary.</p>
<p>We worried a bit about the need to get wisdom teeth removed preRday. The oral surgeon we saw was great and while the teeth were in not an ideal position they were not symptomatic. We didn't hear any push back from WP on the provided info preRday so didn't pursue. We did hear a story where an incoming cadet candidate did have the surgery to close to R day and it was a factor during beast. A lot of discomfort and bleeding. Not good. Send in your info and show up at R day. West Point wants you and will work with you.</p>
<p>Our son just had a consultation with an oral surgeon regarding wisdom teeth removal - the o.s. informed s the teeth are not yet ready to be removed, but may need to be within a few years. Turns out this o.s. is retired Navy, filled in for army surgeons and knew the academies very well. He wrote an explanation of the consultation so that WP understands why s still has unerupted wisdom teeth that have not been removed. S was disappointed - just wanted to get it done and overwith, but I reminded him that the guy knows what he is talking about and since our BC/BS insurance would not cover it (not a medical emergency), we will let the army take care of it instead.</p>
<p>I am not recommending you get your wisdom teeth out 2 months before R-Day. </p>
<p>But for those of you that are looking to enter for the Class of 2013, you may want to keep in mind that the best time to have wisdom teeth removed is before the teeth start to grow roots. Three different oral surgeons (a different one for each of my kids) all said the same thing. The best age to have them removed is usually from age 16 up to about age 20. After that the roots start to grow around the nerves and then when they are extracted it can cause nerve damage in the jaw.</p>
<p>Thanks for your help all...My regional director emailed me and said that wisdom teeth would not be a big deal at all through the medical indoc process..</p>