Research on the status of third molar eruption and impaction in 105 pilots

Abstract

Objective To investigate the status of pilot's third molar eruption and impaction,as well as the clinical symptoms and to propose suggestions to pilot's oral health care. Methods The status of third molar eruption and impaction of 105 pilots were investigated by questionnaire survey,clinical check,and X-ray exam.The subjective and objective comments were gathered and analyzed by SPSS 11.0. Results There were 302 cases of third molars picked out,including 68 normal eruption teeth and 234 impacted teeth.Among normal eruption teeth 49 were at maxilla and 19 at mandible.Impacted mandibular teeth were 162,which were significantly more than the 72 maxillary impacted teeth (x2=37.41,P＜0.01).That indicated the mandibular had more trouble than the maxillary.The detection rate of third molars was equivalent either by mouth inspection or by X-ray check (68cases for both).But X-ray picked 234 impacted teeth comparing to 190 by mouth inspection and showed significantly accurate detection rate on impacted teeth diagnosis (x2 =42.02,P=0.00).Even preventive extraction was an ideal radical cure but only 7 cases received such treatment.Subjective comments reflected certain fear of tooth extraction among pilots. Conclusions There is a high incidence rate of third molar eruption and impaction in pilots,and the resulted symptoms would be the potential risk to flight safety.The shortages currently existing either in diagnosis or in treatment of military pilots reveal insufficient avoidance to the risks.The searching examination,eg.X-ray,and preventive extraction would be more beneficial to treat pilot's third molar eruption and impaction.For setting systemic medication the further and wider scope investigation for flying personnel's oral health is also suggested. Key words: Molar, third; Tooth, impacted; Cross-sectional studies