Dental Dilemma

M

MechEmaj22

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Joined
Jan 26, 2018
Messages
17
I received my appointment already. Today I went to a dentist for a cleaning and to give them one of the post-admission forms to clear me before R-day.

However,

It was discovered that I may need to undergo a (or possibly multiple) tooth extraction.

I was previously advised not to do any surgery or anything of the sort if I want to be medically clear for West Point, but now I might have to do that in order to be cleared--which may prevent me from being cleared.

What do I do?
 
Why not consult with your RC at USMA before making a decision?
 
Not sure if it the exact same type of thing but last year my son had his wisdom teeth removed in late May. I seem to remember that having them removed was encouraged prior to reporting. That being said, I agree with kinnem and reach out to your RC first.
 
You did not specify which teeth but miltiple wisdom tooth extraction is fairly common for inbound plebes.
Far better to get needed extractions prior to R day vs the mandatory and untimely alternative.
But yes - ask thru official channels. Extraction recovery is a couple weeks, plenty time before HS prom, graduation etc.
 
I'm not sure about USMA, but for USAFA, the instructions to appointees is:

"The Academy staff expects that you will arrive at the Academy with no potentially disqualifying dental conditions. Examples
of dental conditions that may prevent you from performing optimally include (1) the presence of impacted or erupted wisdom
teeth that cannot be maintained in a state of health, (2) cavities that may become emergent problems if not restored
immediately, or (3) active orthodontic appliances (braces)"

So, I would recommend having the necessary extraction done sooner than later.
Oral surgery for tooth/teeth extraction, at least wisdom teeth, are not reportable to DoDMERB as are other surgical procedures. You should receive a form to update any medical information, which asks about dental surgeries as a separate line item.
 
The reason for required panoramic X-rays sent to USMA is precisely in line with the above - if you send in the Xrays and they see you need extraction they will require you to do it anyway. Far better to do it on your own terms and time vs during Beast or finals week 1st semester when they get impacted and you have no choice.
 
MechEmaj22 said:
I received my appointment already. Today I went to a dentist for a cleaning and to give them one of the post-admission forms to clear me before R-day.

However,

It was discovered that I may need to undergo a (or possibly multiple) tooth extraction.

I was previously advised not to do any surgery or anything of the sort if I want to be medically clear for West Point, but now I might have to do that in order to be cleared--which may prevent me from being cleared.

What do I do?
Click to expand...
Contact the USMA Dental Clinic for advice if you are at all unclear about what to do. The number will be in the paperwork you have. If the required extractions are wisdom teeth, this is routine and should be done before R Day.

Two things can happen if you show up on R Day and your dental does not meet medical requirements: 1. You can be sent home (likely if condition interferes with completing CBT). 2. You can be required to get work done at USMA after CBT which will be extremely inconvenient.
 
jl123 said:
Contact the USMA Dental Clinic for advice if you are at all unclear about what to do. The number will be in the paperwork you have. If the required extractions are wisdom teeth, this is routine and should be done before R Day.

Two things can happen if you show up on R Day and your dental does not meet medical requirements: 1. You can be sent home (likely if condition interferes with completing CBT). 2. You can be required to get work done at USMA after CBT which will be extremely inconvenient.
Click to expand...

I agree with jl123. However my DD's experience was that she had wisdom teeth removed on 06/05 and reported on 07/03. That was cutting it close. I suggest getting the procedure done as soon as possible, even if it interferes with your spring sports.
 
For my 2020, after conducting the panaramic and sending off to WP, and checking with insurance we opted to have teeth removed. While technically surgery, I don't think that is what they are concerned with since under dental. They were difficult removals and my DS took a bit to recover so we made the right decision. As far as reporting, I had the orthodontist put x's through each of the teeth removed on prior panaramic with a letter from him stating removed and with followup visit fully recovered without any issues. Never called or got prior approval so it may not be how they want handled but it was accepted without questions being asked. We were not going to pay for another panaramic that insurance was not going to pay for. Just my 2 cents, and I know it is hard to believe, but the Army doesn't need you to have wisdom teeth to fight.
 
The dentist would not give me the panaraic instead they made a photo copy of it.
Do you think this will work or do I need to go somewhere else and try to get another one?
They charged me $100 for it.
 
she_served_army said:
The dentist would not give me the panaraic instead they made a photo copy of it.
Do you think this will work or do I need to go somewhere else and try to get another one?
They charged me $100 for it.
Click to expand...
If USMA requires it - they should pay for it or send you to a DoD facility to have it done

I doubt they can mandate a medical process and not be on the hook to pay for it
 
she_served_army said:
The dentist would not give me the panaraic instead they made a photo copy of it.
Do you think this will work or do I need to go somewhere else and try to get another one?
They charged me $100 for it.
Click to expand...

I believe we sent copies of panoramic as my DD's oral surgeon held onto the original for his files. It was accepted.
 
Cerberi said:
she_served_army said:
The dentist would not give me the panaraic instead they made a photo copy of it.
Do you think this will work or do I need to go somewhere else and try to get another one?
They charged me $100 for it.
Click to expand...
If USMA requires it - they should pay for it or send you to a DoD facility to have it done

I doubt they can mandate a medical process and not be on the hook to pay for it
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, that is exactly what they do.

In the old days it was a much simpler one stop process. The burden was on the military. Today they save money and time (theirs not the candidate's) by putting the burden on the candidate, including paying for panoramic x-rays.
 
Even though this thread is from a few years back, I hope you managed to find a right dentist for you
 
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