Champs06

I read that it is strongly encouraged that you have your wisdom teeth removed, and that if they are "partially" grown through and your jaw is not "fit" to accomadate them, you could be turned away at R-Day...Is this information accurate? My wisdom teeth have somewhat grown through over these last two years and because my mom is retired navy, our dental plan is no longer there. My family cannot really afford to get them removed, I dont really know how much it costs, but if a cleanup is $204 (had one last week to fill out the dental form West Point sent), than i am guessing that removing your wisdom teeth could be in the thousands. Is it really essential to have them removed? How do I know if my jaw is fit to "accomodate" them by west point's standards? and Is there a possiblilty that West Point would really turn me away on R-day or during Beast over this issue? Thanks for any input, I am a little curious/stressed because the West Point dental form did not mention anything about the status of my wisdom teeth.

Again, Thanks for any help

Soylent

I have no clue about the policies, but as ballpark figure for the cost, I just got mine removed and it was $1300 with general anesthesia and without dental insurance (it would have been $1000 without going under).

mom3boys

At your cleaning, your dentist should have been able to give you some info on the condition, need for removal, etc. Call and ask him what his exam showed. Then, call WP and ask them your questions.

NJC2012

I recently had my wisdom teeth removed, as my dentist recommended it (he was a retired Army dentist and knew the implications of needing them removed after R-Day). I think the cost was somewhere under $2000 with general anesthesia. Overall, not the best experience of my life. But I guess I better get used to that feeling. Haha

Triggs

Mine grew in perfectly and I've never had a problem with them, the most the dentist told me during Beast was to take care of them so he won't have to pull them later for being neglected. I would say don't get them pulled unless they didn't grow in straight or that they might be a problem - otherwise, leave your mouth alone.

mom3boys

Most people do not have the jaw to accommodate the additional teeth. Also, they tend to mess w/ all the pretty teeth the orthodontia fixed. Often there is a "missing tooth" and if you only have 3 come in, your bite will not line up. No matter the decision, it needs to be made by consulting a dentist or oral surgeon.

JustAMomOf4

You dentist can take a panoramic x-ray of your mouth. this will show the wisdom teeth and what they are doing under the gum.
The dentist and oral surgeon can determine if they need to come out. The "best" time seems to be when they are 'ripe' - with some root but not so the root is too deep. Waiting too long can cause complications with the extraction for sure.

Champs06 - what you need to do is call you dentist and call WP. If they are not bothering you right now - the you can probably wait and get them out on Army's dime.
Anyone with dental insurance that covers wisdom teeth extraction should definitely see an oral surgeon and get a determination - that way you can just get them out before you report.

Champs06

Thanks for all the input...honestly i have never noticed anything with my wisdom teeth, no pressure or comfort problems or anything, they are just there i guess...but it seems it is up to the docs on the decision...I will call the dentist and ask about the x-rays i already had done, but can anyone answer this question...Is it possible to get turned away on R-Day or during beast over this seemingly small issue of wisdom teeth? I can not explain how nice it would be to get sworn in with no suprises that include "go ahead and take the next flight home..." but seriously, is it possible to get turned away over wisdom teeth? Thanks all

Ann

Champs06: I can't imagine that you would be turned away on R-day because you have not had wisdom teeth extracted - especially if they are not symptomatic. Have you sent your dental x-rays in yet? If you you are instructed to have your wisdom teeth removed, explain to admissions that you do not have insurance - they will understand and work with you .

Champs06

Oh! Excellent...Thank You Ann, that was another one of my big questions...how do I even know IF my jaw is able to "accomodate" them? Yes, I sent in that form, so your saying THEY will tell me if I need to get them out? and yea, the x-rays were in that package...thanks ann for the info, honestly helpfull

wpmom2011

I just want to add that before you decide to get your wisdom teeth out before R-Day, call WP first. It is now approx. 2 months to R-Day and not a good idea to do something that may mess up your eligibility.

Since you've sent in your x-rays and you haven't heard that there is a problem, there probably isn't.

If you have any questions about doing anything - ASK WP FIRST!!! This falls into the "wrap in bubble wrap" category.

stvblm

usually your regular health ins. will cover the removal of impacted wisdom teeth.

mom3boys

not necessarily... HMO's do not always cover this...anything w/ the mouth starts to get dicey. Our HMO provides no coverage for anything remotely dental (TMJ, wisdom teeth). Check your policy and/or call the number on your card.

stvblm

blue cross blue shield does. there are many other medical issues that can arise from impacted wisdom teeth. that is why they cover their removal.

mom3boys

Again, refer to terms of your policy. In the last 4 years, while a member of Blue Cross Blue Shield HMO, I had wisdom teeth removed for two kids; neither was a covered benefit. I had to file w/ my dental and pay the difference myself. No portion was covered by my BCBS health insurance. Policies differ from company to company and from state to state...check your policy...hopefully it's all covered, but you cannot count on it until you read your benefits summary.