Wisdom Teeth!

I had mine until I was an Ensign or JG. Have some recollection one set started bothering me. They took the top out separately from the bottom (several months apart). I recall it being a pain (more figuratively than literally) the day they were done but don't remember it as a major experience in my life. I can't even recall where in the world I was when they were removed (not even what duty station). I was living alone so didn't have anyone to take care of me. They gave me painkillers and I took that day off. Went back to work the next day I believe. Definitely not a huge deal for me, though I realize it could be for some based on the state of your teeth.

I'm not a huge fan of doing medical/dental things on a prophylactic basis before you enter the military just to do them. If your dentist thinks they need to come out now for some reason, then do it. If it's just: why not do it now before you enter USNA, then I'd say not to. Do it when the need arises. This will not be the first time that someone at USNA or someone in the USN has had an issue with wisdom teeth.
 
usna1985 said:
I'm not a huge fan of doing medical/dental things on a prophylactic basis before you enter the military just to do them. If your dentist thinks they need to come out now for some reason, then do it. If it's just: why not do it now before you enter USNA, then I'd say not to. Do it when the need arises. This will not be the first time that someone at USNA or someone in the USN has had an issue with wisdom teeth.
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Definitely This!
 
My Mid has had his checked at USNA by Navy dentist - was told they are fine and no need to remove them. That may change depending on his future service selection, but maybe not...
 
If they need to come out, do it now. The goal is to avoid a dental emergency during plebe summer or the academic year. Plebe year is hard enough already without...
 
My 2/C DS had his wisdom teeth removed at the dental clinic at USNA as a youngster, and he had no choice on the timing. Aside from the (not-insignificant) expense, going to a civilian oral surgeon will afford certain comforts like...sedation. The dental clinic at USNA prefers to do the extractions under local anesthesia because the recovery is much faster that way (and in most cases it works out just fine - his roommate had his wisdom teeth removed under local anesthesia, and took an exam later that day with no ill effects.). In DS's case, after 2.5 hours of drilling to remove the teeth, the oral surgeon said "If I had known it was going to be that hard, I would have knocked you out first." After a few days, DS was just fine and now he has a story to tell.
 
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