Barodontalgia during hyperbaric oxygen therapy of an 8-year-old male: a case report

Abstract

Barodontalgia, barometric pressure-induced dental pain, may occur during hyperbaric oxygen therapy due to pressure changes. This case report represents an 8-year-old male patient with barodontalgia. The patient declared a severe toothache during hyperbaric therapy. The diving medicine specialist referred the patient to the dental clinician immediately. Upon clinical examination, the pain was thought to be caused by caries lesions of the deciduous teeth in the left maxillary molar region. Tooth extraction was suggested. After extraction, patient continued hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions without any pain. Patient was recommended for a session to intraoral and radiographic examination one week after the extraction. In conclusion, caries lesions and faulty restorations should be examined before hyperbaric oxygen therapy sessions. Even though barodontalgia is a rare phenomenon, dental examination is essential to avoid these kinds of pain-related complications. All carious lesions and defective restorations must be treated, if necessary. Removal of faulty restorations, and management of inflammation as part of the treatment is suggested before being exposed to pressure changes.