Royal Army Medical Corps, Oral and Maxillofacial Unit, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Egerton Road, Guildford, GU2 7XX.
Br Dent J. 2010 Aug 28;209(4):E6. doi: 10.1038/sj.bdj.2010.724.
The minimisation of disease and non-battle injury (DNBI) is essential for maintaining efficiency in a fighting force. Third molar-related morbidity is a common cause of DNBI. With extended lines of communication in current military deployments, travelling for dental care is often subject to significant danger.
Military dental officers in Afghanistan and Iraq recorded data on patients presenting with third molar pathology. Related previous history was obtained from the individual and from the military dental records.
Three hundred and three individuals presented during the 23 month study period; 27.7% were unable to access care immediately, most commonly citing work pressure or lack of safe transport. Of those needing to travel, 70% were moved by helicopter. Pericoronitis was diagnosed in 84.4% of cases, 20.6% of these teeth being extracted; 53.5% of patients reported no prior symptoms, 22.7% with two or more episodes. There was documented evidence in military dental records of previous problems in 29.2% of cases. 11.3% had previously been listed for extraction of the presenting tooth.
Dental treatment for troops in combat situations is fraught with difficulty. Special consideration must be given to the management of third molars in military personnel.
减少疾病和非战斗性损伤（DNBI）对于维持战斗力至关重要。第三磨牙相关疾病是导致 DNBI 的常见原因。在当前的军事部署中，通信线路延长，前往牙科治疗往往存在很大的危险。
阿富汗和伊拉克的军牙科医生记录了患有第三磨牙病理的患者的数据。从个人和军牙科记录中获取相关的既往病史。
在 23 个月的研究期间，有 303 人就诊；27.7%的人无法立即获得治疗，最常见的原因是工作压力或缺乏安全的交通工具。需要旅行的人中，有 70%乘坐直升机转移。84.4%的病例诊断为冠周炎，其中 20.6%的牙齿被拔出；53.5%的患者报告没有先前的症状，22.7%的患者有两次或更多次发作。在 29.2%的病例中，军牙科记录中有先前问题的记录。11.3%的患者之前曾被列入要拔出的牙齿名单。
在战斗情况下为部队提供牙科治疗困难重重。必须特别考虑军事人员的第三磨牙管理。
