BGregory

We worried a bit about the need to get wisdom teeth removed preRday. The oral surgeon we saw was great and while the teeth were in not an ideal position they were not symptomatic. We didn't hear any push back from WP on the provided info preRday so didn't pursue. We did hear a story where an incoming cadet candidate did have the surgery to close to R day and it was a factor during beast. A lot of discomfort and bleeding. Not good. Send in your info and show up at R day. West Point wants you and will work with you.

Anonagron

Our son just had a consultation with an oral surgeon regarding wisdom teeth removal - the o.s. informed s the teeth are not yet ready to be removed, but may need to be within a few years. Turns out this o.s. is retired Navy, filled in for army surgeons and knew the academies very well. He wrote an explanation of the consultation so that WP understands why s still has unerupted wisdom teeth that have not been removed. S was disappointed - just wanted to get it done and overwith, but I reminded him that the guy knows what he is talking about and since our BC/BS insurance would not cover it (not a medical emergency), we will let the army take care of it instead.

wpmom2011

I am not recommending you get your wisdom teeth out 2 months before R-Day.

But for those of you that are looking to enter for the Class of 2013, you may want to keep in mind that the best time to have wisdom teeth removed is before the teeth start to grow roots. Three different oral surgeons (a different one for each of my kids) all said the same thing. The best age to have them removed is usually from age 16 up to about age 20. After that the roots start to grow around the nerves and then when they are extracted it can cause nerve damage in the jaw.

Something to keep in mind.

Champs06

Thanks for your help all...My regional director emailed me and said that wisdom teeth would not be a big deal at all through the medical indoc process..

Ann

Great news Champs06! Enjoy you next few weeks of civilian life. R-Day will be here before you know it .

coachjohn

Who can we call in admissions to ensure my son will not be turned away at R day if he does not get his wisdom teeth removed?

Our dentist just informed me that he will need four teeth removed and set appointment for June 4th. It seems like a bad time to have surgery (3 weeks and 5 days before R day). His teeth have never bothered him and have not come through his gums. Still the instructions seem clear that they must be removed before he reports???!!

Champs06

coachjohn...I talked to my recruiter person (blue and gold officer for navy, liason officer for airforce, dont know the army term) and she talked to my regional director. I was advised and advise you to talk to west point (probably through your regional director) before performing any form of operation. it does seem really close but my regional director ASSURED me that wisdom teeth (apart i assume from open wounds or something of the sort from an operation) would not be a problem R-Day and would not get me turned away, but talk to your regional director before making any decisions, good luck!

JustAMomOf4

Call your regional director. I *think* they do not want kids to show up having problems - teeth that are seriously decayed, partially erupted wisdom teeth that have decay etc. The dental staff could not handle it if a lot of kids showed up needed dental work.

Your son is probably ok and they will probably remove them during the academic year.
June 4 is cutting it close - some kids don't have problems while others develop complications that prevent quick healing.

Definitely call though.

coachjohn

I talked with the admissions people in Major Hanes' office yesterday. They told me that they would prefer he not have the oral surgery this close to R day and it would not be a problem when he reports.

Champs06

yea, that is about the same thing they told me, glad that is not a concern anymore