Appointee Wisdom Teeth Concerns

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E.Cadet.18

5-Year Member
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Mar 25, 2014
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Have any current pilots or USAFA cadets had their wisdom teeth removed as suggested in the Class of 2018 "Instructions to Appointees"? How big of a problem is this? How necessary is it to have them removed now? I took DS to his dentist today and was referred on to an Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon for his opinion concerning wisdom teeth. We didn't get too many answers from the "regular" dentist except that they look like they will be no problem for the next few years. After that, who knows? Page 14 says, "If your civilian dentist has recommended you have your wisdom teeth removed, we strongly suggest you follow their advice. However, it would be best to have at least 6 weeks of healing between when the surgery is completed and when you arrive at the Academy." One problem: They are already scheduled through the end of June! DS wants to be a pilot and I want to help him make the right decision now. It just looks impossible to get this done at this point. If we have to, we will find somewhere that can hopefully fit him in. If anyone can shed light on this issue it would be greatly appreciated and it may help us make the best decision for him now.
 
Get them done. Find a good oral surgeon and take care of it. I suffered extreme complications from my wisdom teeth when I was in college. We had DS's removed December 24th, didn't make for a fun Christmas for him, but now he can go off to the Academy without having to worry about them.
 
Our DS will have his out this month - his dentist pulled some strings and we were able to get him scheduled quickly with an oral surgeon. Both his dentist and oral surgeon were very willing to work quickly due to academy appointment.
 
I have a similar situation, but for me my doctor said my wisdom teeth are far from ready to come out and if I needed them to come out I would have to seek a specialist for oral surgery. Would you recommend i get the surgery done even though their no where near coming out?
 
Our oral surgeon watched DS wisdom teeth for a year and a half hoping they would move into a better position--they didn't--DS surgery had to be done under general anathiesia, and was very serious. Go see an oral surgeon and get his opinion.
 
DD will have hers taken out next week. Hers are impacted but not causing any issues except for ruining years of braces.:eek:
 
Stealth knows a peer of his DS that was pushed back at UPT because he didn't have them removed. He did not lose his slot, but didn't start on time because prior to flying they will send them for a more in depth exam.

Our DS did not have his removed because his xrays showed no issues, and he will wing next month. DS was AFROTC and they send them to Wright Pat for their Flight Class 1 physical. It is a 3 day exam.

Two people, two different paths.

The question to me is how much do you trust these docs. All of our {Bullet and me) kids wisdom teeth came in fine. We took them to the dentist faithfully twice a year, and the dentist watched for any sign of problems starting at 15. They are now 24, we and almost 20. No teeth have been extracted....knock wood, because the 20 yr old is still at the point of not breaking through yet. The dentist also said if you want to, than see a surgeon, but at this time I see no issues, can't promise the future, but for now, they were good to go....kind of like what I am reading in your post.

I think it is different now with wisdom teeth compared to our generation. Most dentists will pull as soon as they see issues on the xray. I also have to say that all 3 of our kids had to use the hardware to break their bottoim palate prior to braces. Putting it out there if your child also had that orthodontic procedure they maybe like mine and be okay.


IF you have any doubts, ...I.e. Differing opinions, I would extract them.
 
My DD, who graduated USAFA last spring, was evaluated by two oral surgeons prior to entering the Academy. Neither would remove her wisdom teeth at that time --they did not feel it was medically necessary. At the start of her Junior year at the Academy, it was decided that removal of two teeth had then become necessary. Unfortunately, the procedure did not go well and she developed a serious infection which caused her to be hospitalized for a second surgical procedure, on IV antibiotics, etc. Fortunately, she made a full recovery -- though it was disruptive and led to a number of missed classes. My point is -- you can't force a civilian oral surgeon to remove wisdom teeth unless it is medically indicated. You may have to wait until you are at the Academy to see whether the procedure ever becomes medically indicated.
 
My dentist says my wisdom teeth are no where near coming through. I think i'm on track to be in my early 20s before anything happens. If I don't have them taken out before and don't have them taken out at USAFA because they aren't ready will I be able to attend UPT after graduation?
 
Talked to our dentist again today. Got a referral and made appointment next week for the oral surgeon. Looks like we are moving forward, as long as surgeon will do it. Our dentist told us the surgeon is a veteran and will probably move us up on the schedule since DS is a USAFA Appointee. So I guess after we pull a few strings we may be pulling a few teeth !
 
None of the academies require healthy wisdom teeth removal as part of the appilcation process.............read carefully the quote you posted to start this thread..............."If your civilian dentist has recommended you have your wisdom teeth removed..............."

If NOT, then having healthy wisdom teeth removed is NOT part of the application process.
 
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