What does the dental exam in boot camp consist of will a chipped tooth cause problems?

Answer 1

A dental exam is a painless examination on the health of the patients teeth, gums, jaws, prosthesis, etc.

While a simple chipped tooth would generally cause no reason for concern, there are issues which may disqualify a candidate.

Most dental exams may/will include the following:

A review of the patients medical and dental history.

A periodontal assessment by probing and examining the patients mouth.

A clinical exam.

Oral X-Rays.

Some problems that may disqualify:

Diseases of the jaw or tissue that prevent normal functioning. (Such as advanced gum disease)

Severe Malocclusion. (Misalignment of teeth).

Insufficient natural healthy teeth that prevent chewing a normal diet.

Patients with complex and multiple prosthesis.

There are also issues that may delay entry:

Tooth Abscess

Missing/degraded fillings

Periodontitis

Severe Gingivitis

These problems may be circumvented by having a military dentist provide documentation that treatments will be completed before the patient is sworn in for active duty.

Answer 2

The dental exam in boot camp typically includes a visual examination of your teeth and gums, X-rays, and assessment of overall oral health. If you have a chipped tooth, it may cause problems depending on the severity. A small chip may not be a concern, but a larger chip may require treatment, such as filling or bonding, to prevent further damage and maintain oral health. It's always best to consult with a dental professional for an accurate assessment and appropriate treatment.