flying with wisdom teeth out

[SLUF4]

seems like they told me to swish salt water around pretty often in there and that really helped and seemed to make me heal quicker. the curved tip syringe for blasting food out is a necessity. I went for the oral surgeon..knocked me out cold and woke up really happy and feelin good-that wears off after a few hours

 

[Quiet Flight]

I got the same advice gdub did. Use a tea bag.

That just sounds bad...

Sorry. Couldn't resist.

Thanks for all the good info though. Having my wisdom teeth yanked in the next couple of months. For once, flightinfo has left me feeling quite learned.

"This is a learned house of doctors!!" -D. Doback

MESA Sucks!

 

[silver02ex]

I was out for about 3 days. I don't remember what my medication (pain killers) was but I took it for only one day.

 

[Lynxman]

Trust everyone when they say get knocked out and went to an oral surgeon. My dentist did it with some local antiseptic. They were still impacted and under the gums. Major cluter .... terrible experience looked like I got hit in the face with a bat.

 

[sayrejm]

I had 11 shots of Novocain and talked to the guy the whole time he was sawing away! All 4 at once. Didn't seem bad at all, until later that day. Yup.... sucked @$$.

 

[LowlyPropCapt]

Oral surgeon. Let them knock you out.

When I got mine out, I remember the knocking out in the office, then next thing I know I'm in bed at home. Didn't remember waking up in the office or the drive home at all. I had 2 valium to take the night before, and 2 the morning of. That might have had something to do with not remembering anything. You might want to try it.

Yup. Good plan. I did the same.

 

[LowlyPropCapt]

You can fly the same day if you just take some Percocet.

You are kidding, right?

 

[RJLoser]

Here's a bit of advice to keep this from occuring...They make plastic syringes that curve at the end...sort of a cheap water pick. Patterson Brand is who makes the one I have. Most oral sugeons should have these available for you after the surgery. You MUST keep the holes clean laugh: ). The only way to do this is to use warm water and get the food out. Rice is the absolute worst. Thing is, its what you don't feel that can cause an infection. Its kinda gross, yet amazing at the same time, the buffet of food particles that can get stuck back there and you don't even know it. Eat a granola bar and you'll find out very quickly.

Cheers

Serious wisdom here.

 

[crj567]

Wait... you can deduct medical stuff for the job?
I just spent like almost $1000 for first class medical, contacts, eye exam, and glasses. Can that all be deducted?

I have astigmatism so my contacts are expensive.

be careful-

you have to have a certain percentage of your income spent.... There is a threshold-don't play games w/the man!

-Consult your tax professional.

 

[crj567]

for those that have had "impacted" wisdom teeth removed while having the flying job, how long do you recommend being away from the cockpit, seeing that we have one of those jobs where you have to be "with it."

Also, just curious how much to expect to pay, before insurance deductions, for all 4 out?

Thanks in advance.

You can get FMLA-just take a week off!

 

[jws717]

I would say about 1 week would be good. Why push it, relax and recover.

 

[CX880]

It's pretty rough, i got gassed and they used stitches. It took about a few days to recover. You also go insane because you can't eat anything that requires opening your mouth more than an inch, that lasts about a week.

 

[Lynxman]

In your case though hulas isn't really bigger than an inch so you were fine right? cheers

 

[CX880]

In your case though hulas isn't really bigger than an inch so you were fine right? cheers

get a ********************ing life dude seriously, that's not even classy the way you put it. You should know.

 

[Lynxman]

chill out man you know you laughed a little.

 

[CX880]

chill out man you know you laughed a little.

yea yea you get excited when someone mentions mouth and inches.

 

[mozzer]

I had an impacted wisdom tooth removed and was only off work for that day. Told the dentist I needed to be back in the airplane ASAP. He put a couple of stitches in (which they normally don't do) and said have at it. You might try asking about that.

My one tooth was $240, so Draginass is right on the price.

"Told the dentist I needed to be back in the airplane ASAP" WTF for Chuck?

I'd play this card at least one week.

 

[nwa_contrails]

It's pretty rough, i got gassed and they used stitches. It took about a few days to recover. You also go insane because you can't eat anything that requires opening your mouth more than an inch, that lasts about a week.

Did you really expect someone NOT to say something when you phrase it like that??? I mean c'mon...given you and that quote, it's like handing someone a giant gift...

 

[BrickTop]

Every person is different in their recovery. I took 3 weeks. Worst pain I've ever experienced and I have remarkable pain tolerance. The next guy will tell you 2 days.

 

[higney85]

If you are working for a 121 you most likely have dental insurance. If this IS the case go on your benefits site and look up the SPD (Summary Plan Description). This by law has to be readily accessible to all in the plan. Most plans that I have seen from other 121's includes an orthodonture allotment. Depending on your plan there will be a max and a co-pay and deductible. Expect to pay 20-60% of the cost up to a certain number (which you most likely won't hit unless your plan has been hit by other medical expenses). As far as time off, FMLA is a great one for something like this- as is a sick call. If the FMLA is for yourself (as it is) you can be paid out of your sick bank or accrued vacation at most carriers. Don't rush going back after surgery- FMLA and insurance is designed to make sure you don't go back before 100% healthy. It's also nice to be able to take "the good stuff" to kill the pain. I would suggest calling ALPA Aeromedical (303) 341-4435 and asking the official stance on both the time of meds and time needed off. If you are at an ALPA carrier this call is free (you pay your dues for something...) and it's completely transparent to your AME and FAA, but you will legally need to put it on your medical application next time you go. Not a problem, but a quick homework assignment will ensure no issues down the line. Call your R&I folks for specifics at your carrier..

-A guy on the ALPA R&I committee.