Wisdom teeth

charlestonmom5

5-Year Member
Joined
Dec 28, 2015
Messages
142
Am I understanding the wisdom teeth rule correctly? Basically, if you have wisdom teeth, either erupted or not, have them removed before I Day? What is the dentist says they're not a problem? If so, it may change Spring Break plans..
 
Where are you reading this? You get them out only if recommended by your dentist ("indicated"), as discussed on page 7 of the Class of 2022 Appointee Booklet. If your dentist says they're not a problem, you are not required to remove them. There is no blanket statement that all appointees need to get their wisdom teeth out before I-Day.

But know that wisdom teeth can flare up in later years if impacted.

Get any cavities filled that need to be filled before arriving.

The only thing that is disqualifying is showing up to I-Day wearing braces on your teeth.
 
Just a comment to add that while you can certainly wait to have them removed later.... the Academies tend to be less generous with recovery time. Lots of running and push-ups only a few days following this surgery, while medically allowed, still doesn't feel particularly well. My son had his removed over spring break this year - just to allow him more recovery time and have it done in an environment where we had some control.
 
The longer you wait with wisdom teeth the harder they are to remove and if they do erupt can cause pain when your cadet needs to study. Something to think about, the roots of wisdom teeth continue to grow as you age.
 
There are threads in this, Search "Wisdom Teeth" for more info.
 
From page 7 of the 2022 appointee book:

"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). Active orthodontic appliances are a disqualifying condition for Academy admission. All orthodontic treatment must be completed, devices removed, and retainers (if indicated) in place
prior to entering the Academy. Don’t forget to bring your retainers with you to the Academy!

Wisdom teeth may cause lost academic time and possible delays in pilot qualification for cadets. It is highly encouraged for you to visit your family dentist for a thorough dental examination, paying particular attention to the above-mentioned concerns. Correction of all dental defects and removal of wisdom teeth, when indicated, before arriving at the Academy will maximize your dental health, prevent lost academic time, minimize any dental conditions affecting pilot qualifications and go a long way toward ensuring your success as an Air Force cadet. 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 8 weeks of healing between when the surgery is completed and when you arrive at the Academy."

https://www.usafa.edu/app/uploads/2022_Appointee_Booklet.pdf
 
Only USMMA requires that you have these removed before I-Day.
 
I am no medical expert, but I think the main concern is whether or not the wisdom teeth present a significant risk of becoming a future problem, either during BCT or the academic year. I didn't have mine removed beforehand because my home dentist thought issues with them were unlikely in the near future, and that I could just as easily have them removed a year or so later. I ended up getting them out after finals during spring of my 4* year.

I should also add that recovery time will almost certainly be easier to handle if the surgery is performed prior to the Academy. In my case, I had somewhere around 2-3 weeks of time to heal before heading right into ESET (survival training summer program). I was fine with that, but the close proximity of other events (classes, airfield duties, etc.) makes the surgery harder to fit into cadet schedules. No regrets from my perspective, but definitely something to be aware of.
 
Speaking from experience (Daughter class of 2020), unless you are having problems with your wisdom teeth, DO NOT risk having I-day disqualifying medical complications as a result of preemptive wisdom teeth removal. The military will provide all the dental care necessary if a problem occurs once they are at the academy.
 
I have my appendix, limbs and 2 out of 4 wisdom teeth. I think 1 of the 2 they pulled back in the 80's wasn't really necessary.
That one though, hoo boy. Devil get out !
 
After taking x-rays, my son’s dentist recommended that he follow the Academy’s advice and have his wisdom teeth removed before I-Day. He had no problems with the surgery, and as a mom, I was glad he was able to recover at home. It’s a good idea for your future Cadet to have a dental exam and cleaning before reporting to the Academy, so you could also ask your dentist’s opinion on whether or not to remove wisdom teeth.
 
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