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Systematic Assessment of Mammalian Skull Specimens for Dental and Temporomandibular Joint Pathology
Published on: August 22, 2022
Third molar-related morbidity in deployed Service personnel
1Royal Army Medical Corps, Oral and Maxillofacial Unit, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Egerton Road, Guildford, GU2 7XX. jgcombes@aol.com
British Dental Journal
|August 28, 2010
Summary
Third molar issues frequently cause disease and non-battle injury (DNBI) in military personnel. Accessing dental care in combat zones is dangerous, highlighting the need for better third molar management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Military Medicine
- Dental Surgery
- Surgical Pathology
Background:
- Disease and non-battle injury (DNBI) impacts military readiness.
- Third molar pathology is a significant contributor to DNBI.
- Remote deployments increase risks associated with accessing dental care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the incidence and management of third molar pathology in deployed military personnel.
- To identify challenges in accessing timely dental care in combat zones.
Main Methods:
- Military dental officers collected data on patients with third molar pathology in Afghanistan and Iraq.
- Patient history and military dental records were reviewed.
Main Results:
- 27.7% of patients faced delayed access to care due to operational or transportational risks.
- Pericoronitis was the most common diagnosis (84.4%), with 20.6% requiring extraction.
- Nearly 30% of cases had documented prior issues, and 11.3% were previously listed for extraction.
Conclusions:
- Providing dental care to troops in combat is challenging.
- Effective management strategies for third molars are crucial for military personnel.
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