If I need a bunch of dental work done, will the military dentists properly sedate me and/or pull many of my teeth?

Jeff Wentz — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 12:11:06 -0500

Sorry for another boring enlistment question, but I'm pulling at straws now trying to find work, and I always come back to thinking about enlisting. The only thing keeping me from enlisting are my teeth; My teeth are in bad shape. I need many pulled, im sure, and all my wisdom teeth are fully grown, hell, one of them is even already broken. Anyway, Do ya'll think they would properly sedate me? Or will they just pull them?

Response by Jeff Wentz made Dec 4 at 2019 12:18 PM

Jeff Wentz — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 12:18:13 -0500

Thank you for correcting my post, LTC.

Response by SFC Michael Hasbun made Dec 4 at 2019 12:18 PM

SFC Michael Hasbun — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 12:18:43 -0500

No... They tie a rope to the affected tooth, attach the other end to a horse, and then fire off a blank round, scaring the horse and sending it at a gallop.

Response by SrA John Monette made Dec 4 at 2019 12:20 PM

SrA John Monette — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 12:20:28 -0500

i had my wisdom teeth taken out by a military dentist. i wasn't put to sleep, but i didn't feel any pain. all i could feel is the dentist practically kneeling on my chest to get a couple of them out.

Response by SPC Stewart Smith made Dec 4 at 2019 1:01 PM

SPC Stewart Smith — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 13:01:48 -0500

I had poor oral hygiene growing up so I know all about the army dentists from 2004-2008.
They hit you in the head with a hammer and pull out as much teeth as they can before you wake up.
JK. They don't sedate you. They give you Novocaine and remove the teeth that need to be removed and fill any cavities that need fillings. I'll also add that I had to get a root canal while I was in germany. They left a piece of infected root in my face. It was horribly painful. HYPOTHETICALLY my 1SG told my battle buddy to go get a rack of beer. Hypothetically he had me drink one beer every hour with my Vicodin until the next morning he drove me to the dentist office and got me in bright and early to fix the issue. My 1SG was awesome.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2019 1:02 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 13:02:12 -0500

Why are your teeth keeping you from enlisting, and why have you not already gone to a dentist? Have you researched the military, and are you ready to make a life changing commitment?

Get your teeth fixed. The dentist will sedate you if it is called for.

Response by Sgt Douglas Berger made Dec 4 at 2019 1:13 PM

Sgt Douglas Berger — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 13:13:19 -0500

My experience you will get good dental work. Whatever is required. Always ask before enlistment.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2019 1:17 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 13:17:04 -0500

It's whatever the dentist recommends.

Response by 1LT Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2019 2:45 PM

1LT Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 14:45:00 -0500

Your care will be properly managed. I worked as a 68E (Dental Specialist) for 6 years before going to ROTC. Army dentists care plans are through because they are randomly audited.

You’ll be fine.

Response by SSG Dale London made Dec 4 at 2019 10:48 PM

SSG Dale London — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 22:48:15 -0500

Don't worry - they use all the latest technology and apply tremendous skills. I was especially impressed by the native shaman scaring away the evil spirits with a rattle and drum!
Just kidding. They will take good care of you. Funny - I have heard lots of reasons for joining up but this is the first based on dental care.
I suppose there are worse reasons.
Huah!

Response by SFC Kelly Fuerhoff made Dec 6 at 2019 4:02 PM

SFC Kelly Fuerhoff — Fri, 06 Dec 2019 16:02:11 -0500

It depends on what needs done. When they pulled all four of my wisdom teeth, I was sedated. Completely put under. This was at JBLM, WA, in 2007.

Response by SSG Kevin S. made Apr 25 at 2020 5:31 PM

SSG Kevin S. — Sat, 25 Apr 2020 17:31:20 -0400

When the army pulled my molars (2), all I remember is a blindfold then what can only be described as a knee in my chest followed by a loud grunt and crashing sound. I couldn't move because they had me strapped in to the seat...the oddly euphoric feeling helped with any pain. But it was free, so I sucked it up and moved on. After it all healed, I managed to get a seasonal job as a model for Jack-o-lanters...win-win I say.

(Truthfully, all went well an I got the rest of the day off, you'll be fine)