If my wisdom have no problems, why would the military remove them in rtc?

I am enlisted in the Navy, and I leave January 3. I was told by my dentist that my wisdom teeth will be removed by the military, despite the fact they have grown in perfectly, no problems, no cavities, and plenty of room for them to fill in.
So my question is, why would the military remove them if they show no problems at all?

silverdragonz33

Asked Oct 18, 2011

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Wisdom teeth can continue growing into your mid twenties. If there's not physical space on your dental arch for them, it's much better to remove them before they grow into a space too small (called an impacted third molar). Once they become impacted, it's extremely painful and a surgical big deal to remove them. When you're a sailor on a six month deployment it's an even bigger deal to get you to a facility capable of dealing with it.

Rob

Answered Oct 18, 2011

Edited Oct 18, 2011

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But my dentist said that I have enough room, 3 of them have erupted without any problems at all, and the fourth has room. Two times my dentist and her assistant told me that I have room for them to grow in without any issues. (including them becoming impacted, AND my teeth wont get crowded or shoved closer together)
Simply put, the problems people usually face with wisdom teeth aren't a factor for me thus far, and seemingly wont be. With THAT in mind, the military would still just remove them? Why?

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silverdragonz33 Oct 18, 2011

There's a possibility that the person you talked to didn't know what they are talking about. The Navy dentist may see your situation and decide against it. However, you should also consider that being in the military presents different health situations than civilian life. They can't just radio the enemy and call time-out while someone is airlifted out for surgery. Explain to the Navy dentist and see what happens.

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Rob Oct 18, 2011

Yeah, that makes sense. Thanks for the perspective.

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silverdragonz33 Oct 18, 2011

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I would imagine their list of procedures/tests to be done before any deployment is tailored for their masses not an individual... so the fact that it isn't a problem for YOU is probably irrelevant to them. Just guessing...

skyDancer

Answered Oct 18, 2011

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I guess. I just figure it would save time and energy to just leave it since there is no call for it to be removed. xD Gonna suck though to be sure haha

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silverdragonz33 Oct 18, 2011

I had to have mine removed because there wasn't space for them... and I always thought I had a pretty big head. lol It does suck, but I don't remember it being particularly painful. My oral surgeon put me under since I had one that was impacted, so the procedure itself was a breeze. I was definitely uncomfortable for several days after that, but I took the pain meds like clockwork, so it didn't hurt much. What annoyed me was that all I could do was sleep while I was on the meds. They knocked me out!

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skyDancer Oct 18, 2011

Thank you for your service.

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skyDancer Oct 18, 2011

But in the military that wont fly, especially in RTC. That's why I don't understand it. The pain medication seems to make most people sleepy, and having to go right into PT right after having your teeth removed while on pain medication that makes you very tired? I don't understand the logic in it.

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silverdragonz33 Oct 18, 2011

I hear ya. Follow Rob's suggestion. See if you can talk to a Navy dentist, even if it's just someone in the office via phone, to see what they say about about your situation and the policy. Also ask if it makes sense to have them removed in advanced (like now) given your points about pain meds and drowsiness.