Marginal alveolar bone loss in flying personnel: a radiographical followup study

In a 10-year followup study, the alveolar marginal bone of the mandible in flying personnel has been examined on radiographs. The radiographs were obtained at 5-year intervals. The reduced height of the marginal alveolar bone was measured according to an internationally accepted standard procedure and compared with figures obtained from radiographs made 10 years earlier. Compared with similar material concerning subjects not occupationally involved in flying, this study shows that flying personnel suffer considerable alveolar, marginal bone loss. High-altitude flying, reduced partial oxygen pressure, stress, and vibrations are being discussed as suspected causes. An interesting and disturbing point is that the alveolar process usually is the first bone that reveals a generally decreased bone calcification. Further studies of the skeletal bone and the serum concentration of calcium are in progress. Subjects for these studies are flying personnel (jet, propeller, and helicopter) from the Swedish Air Force.