Non-barotraumatic tooth fracture during scuba diving.

BACKGROUND

When dental pain or tooth fracture occurs during diving, variations in atmospheric pressure are usually considered as etiology.

CASE REPORT

We present a case of a military diver referred for dental pain which appeared during diving. Diagnoses suggested by the diving medical specialist were barodontalgia and dental barotrauma. The dental exam, however, highlighted a tooth fracture due to the in-diving use of an inappropriate mouth regulator which yielded excessive occlusal pressure on a tooth with pre-existing extensive dental restoration.

DISCUSSION

This case highlights the importance of the use of an adapted mouthpiece by divers, and the need for awareness of physicians and dentists who treat divers of the implications of scuba diving on dental and oral medicine.