Is pre-plebe wisdom tooth removal a reportable surgery

[ders_dad]

(Before responding, Yes, I did do a forum search on wisdom teeth).

DS (2023 appointee) was at the dentist last week for 6 month checkup and dentist would like to refer him to a specialist consult to have three wisdom teeth removed. I spoke with the specialist on the phone (ahead of the consult, which is in three weeks) and he said the removal would take place end of April/early May. I told him that DS needed to be completely healed up by late June and he said that would be plenty of time (I didn't tell him why late June was important).

IF we do go ahead and have the wisdom teeth removed, does this fall under the category of a "surgery" that needs to be reported to USNA? (I've had extractions before and to me, an older guy, it sure didn't fall under the category of surgery, given some other medical procedures I've had).

(Also, the dentist, DS, and I will have a frank discussion as to whether this is a "do it now" necessity or not.)

 

[thunderheadc6]

Yes it does, my son had to report his wisdom teeth surgery - they will ask for a statement from the oral surgeon preforming the surgery that there were no complications.

 

[BunkerDog1]

Yes it does, my son had to report his wisdom teeth surgery - they will ask for a statement from the oral surgeon preforming the surgery that there were no complications.

Did this instruction to report come from someone at Admissions or DODMERB? Or is it somewhere in the Candidate materials? I didn't see anything explicit to this point.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

(Also, the dentist, DS, and I will have a frank discussion as to whether this is a "do it now" necessity or not.)

^ This. USNA isn't looking for a way to get rid of kids with appointments, but why chance it if not absolutely necessary. There is a plenty of opportunity to get it done at USNA. (And only half facetiously, the Navy has young dentists that need the practice !)

As to the original question, I would suspect that it depends largely on the facts and circumstance, and any complications. As always, refer to the language of any instructions USNA gives, not anonymous advice on the internet.

 

[Dr. Strange Love]

(Also, the dentist, DS, and I will have a frank discussion as to whether this is a "do it now" necessity or not.)

^ This. USNA isn't looking for a way to get rid of kids with appointments, but why chance it if not absolutely necessary. There is a plenty of opportunity to get it done at USNA. (And only half facetiously, the Navy has young dentists that need the practice !)

As to the original question, I would suspect that it depends largely on the facts and circumstance, and any complications. As always, refer to the language of any instructions USNA gives, not anonymous advice on the internet.

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@Old Navy BGO …. Is third Molar removal done a lot at NAPS and USNA. I heard Friday's is the day to do it because it gives them the weekend to rest.
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Daughter had 6-month checkup in December or January, they did the Bite Wing, and mentioned that they are there, and not impacting, no issues. But they said they will probably have to come out at some point.
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I was thinking of being Preemptive before she reports to NAPS in July.
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Maybe I am "Thinking myself to Death".
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[NavyHoops]

A lot of wisdom teeth are removed at USNA. It happens a lot. If you want to have them before then do it as early as possible. If there is no need to, then you can certainly wait. I actually escaped USNA with all mine.

 

[Old Navy BGO]

@Old Navy BGO …. Is third Molar removal done a lot at NAPS and USNA. I heard Friday's is the day to do it because it gives them the weekend to rest.

It's been 30 + years since I was a NAPS, but as Hoops notes , it was done alot at USNA too.

Keep in mind that you have a pile of kids in the 18-22 year old range, probably prime time for removing wisdom teeth, Add that to the fact that they are non-operational service members, so schedules are easy to arrange, and that the Navy seems to have preference for removing wisdom teeth prophylactically so they don't go bad when you aren't in a position to get medical help (think submarine on patrol), so I would say its done alot.

As to timing, I have no idea what day of the week its done. I only recall that the schedule literally went down the hall at NAPS, assigning each a day and time for removal. I do remember that mine were done on the day of the very first Space Shuttle landing, as I was the only one that go to watch the landing since I had the rest of the academic day off.

 

[random_name]

My dd is a plebe and we had hers out before plebe summer. Most of my dd’s Plebe friends also had theirs out. There was nothing to report they just recommended that you have them out I think 4 weeks prior so there isn’t discomfort over plebe summer. Verify the weeks but I think it was 4 weeks. If I recall this information was part of the packet you will receive over the summer.

If you can get them removed before PS I would as I wouldn’t want to be recuperating in Bancroft and lose a few days of downtime you might need.

 

[Wishful]

@ders_dad: Glad you did the search! Did you see the X-rays I posted??
To me, the extraction is in 2 parts, the removal/sewing up & the anesthesia. My concern was the latter. I chose an oral surgeon for both kids who was referred & experienced i.e. several years of private practice. I also had her review for me their patient monitoring systems (oxygen level, heart rate, breathing, BP, I think) used when the patient is under. Several years ago in the county where we live, an adolescent stopped breathing while under, it went unnoticed until significant brain damage occurred.

While at home you can get referrals from your dentist, have the ability to review/interview the surgeon. ask questions, see the Panoramic X-ray the surgeon will take, etc... None of that occurs at the SA. For DD, a weekend for recovery would've been a little short; DS was in pain for a longer period (he's more dramatic).
It also depends on if it's one tooth or several, jaw or upper. DW had all 4 removed just before our Honeymoon! Guess she didn't want to visit the surgeon in Mexico
That woman also gave birth to DD w/o anesthesia (long story)...guess there might be some truth to that saying that women have a higher pain threshold...

PS: Get your DS a teeth cleaning before you go. At USAFA, DD was only covered for 1 cleaning every 2 years! Their explanation was that the dental dept. is small for 4,000+ cadets so... Yuck! I would schedule a cleaning for her when she came home on Xmas break! Just don't let your dentist take X-rays. They do that at the SA but your dentist will only see that, in your child's folder, X-rays haven't been taken in 2 years so they kinda automatically think they have to X-ray. Good Luck!!

 

[Dr. Strange Love]

As to timing, I have no idea what day of the week its done. I only recall that the schedule literally went down the hall at NAPS, assigning each a day and time for removal. I do remember that mine were done on the day of the very first Space Shuttle landing, as I was the only one that go to watch the landing since I had the rest of the academic day off.

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I like the idea of DD just waiting … maybe, having to "Line Up" as your memory so fondly tells, if it is a requirement.
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I don't want to be Preemptive about removing them if they don't need to be removed now, or ever …. I talked to the Front Office at our Dentist earlier, and her notes said that they look good where they are from the x-rays.
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The receptionist joked and said that she is 30+ and still has hers.
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[MamaBear4]

My 2021 and 2023 had their wisdom teeth out almost 3 years ago during the summer. Was relatively simple for both but my 2023 was eating Cain’s chicken that evening. The roots grow longer as the kids get older and the recovery was nothing for my 2023. Both had 4 impacted teeth with no room. The worst part was the irrigation of the holes for weeks after. Both were medically indicated as needing to be removed.

 

[Dr. Strange Love]

My 2021 and 2023 had their wisdom teeth out almost 3 years ago during the summer …. Both were medically indicated as needing to be removed.

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Wisdom out in their early teens (14 to 16 years old)? I am surprised.
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[thunderheadc6]

Yes it does, my son had to report his wisdom teeth surgery - they will ask for a statement from the oral surgeon preforming the surgery that there were no complications.

Did this instruction to report come from someone at Admissions or DODMERB? Or is it somewhere in the Candidate materials? I didn't see anything explicit to this point.

When You accept your appointment -there is a statement to report any changes from when Domerb qualified you to when you accepted. I can't remember but I believe DS was contacted by both and the Dr. had to submit a statement to Domerb rep by email

 

[MamaBear4]

My 2021 and 2023 had their wisdom teeth out almost 3 years ago during the summer …. Both were medically indicated as needing to be removed.

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Wisdom out in their early teens (14 to 16 years old)? I am surprised.
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He was 15.5 years. The teeth were directly under their other molars for both boys. A gift from their dear mother - me! Both of my boys wanted their teeth after and the roots were significantly longer for my older. I have no clue where the teeth went after. HA! I am glad they had it done early and it's over.

 

[Dr. Strange Love]

@Love4monsters
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Ouch
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[BunkerDog1]

Yes it does, my son had to report his wisdom teeth surgery - they will ask for a statement from the oral surgeon preforming the surgery that there were no complications.

Did this instruction to report come from someone at Admissions or DODMERB? Or is it somewhere in the Candidate materials? I didn't see anything explicit to this point.

When You accept your appointment -there is a statement to report any changes from when Domerb qualified you to when you accepted. I can't remember but I believe DS was contacted by both and the Dr. had to submit a statement to Domerb rep by email

Got it. I am crossing my fingers my DS gets to accept his appointment so he can report this event! He is still CPR. Thanks and congratulations!

 

[THParent]

I still have two of my wisdom teeth in my head. The other two are in a jewelry box. I know that's weird, but I just had to keep them. They are huge, and perfectly formed.

 

[Capt MJ]

I still have two of my wisdom teeth in my head. The other two are in a jewelry box. I know that's weird, but I just had to keep them. They are huge, and perfectly formed.

The repository for your wisdom?

I had 4 out. Three more have grown back over the years. I don’t know where they come from, and I try not to think about it. Gaining in years brings enough surprises.

 

[Dr. Strange Love]

The repository for your wisdom?

I had 4 out. Three more have grown back over the years. I don’t know where they come from, and I try not to think about it. Gaining in years brings enough surprises.

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Sharks have a near endless supply of teeth .... Just say'n
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[Capt MJ]

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Sharks have a near endless supply of teeth .... Just say'n [emoji6]
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DUUNNN DUNNN… DUUUUNNNN DUUN… DUUUNNNNNNNN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUNNNNNNNNNNN DUNNNN