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[Aerodontalgia. Report of a case]
J E Fleury1, D Deboets, D Voisin
1Service de Stomatologie, Centre hospitalier Emile Roux, Eaubonne.
Revue De Stomatologie Et De Chirurgie Maxillo-Faciale
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Aerodontalgia, or flight dental pain, affects healthy or restored teeth due to pressure changes above 5,000 ft. Proper dental care and examinations are crucial for prevention in air travelers.
Area of Science:
- Dental medicine
- Aerospace medicine
- Barodontology
Background:
- Dental pain during flights, known as aerodontalgia, affects air travelers, including pilots and passengers.
- This condition arises from rapid atmospheric pressure changes encountered at high altitudes, typically above 5,000 feet.
- Despite advancements in aviation, the incidence of aerodontalgia remains a persistent issue.
Observation:
- Aerodontalgia can affect any tooth, regardless of its health status or whether it has undergone restoration.
- Symptoms may correlate with underlying pulpal pathology, potentially leading to pulp edema, hyperthermia, and necrosis.
- Indirect dental pain can stem from maxillary barosinusitis or anatomical abnormalities stimulating alveolar nerves.
Findings:
- The most common presentation is pain during ascent (decompression), frequently involving upper molars.
- A direct correlation exists between the characteristics of aerodontalgia symptoms and the nature of the pulpal pathology.
- Preventive measures, including thorough clinical and radiological dental examinations, are essential for flight crews and passengers.
Implications:
- High-quality dental care and regular check-ups are vital for preventing aerodontalgia.
- Understanding the etiology of aerodontalgia aids in diagnosing and managing dental pain in aviation environments.
- Addressing aerodontalgia is critical for the well-being and operational readiness of individuals in aviation.