When the Skylab space expeditions started during the seventies the time did not only mark the first of a series of manned space travels into earth orbit but space travel which made use of modern dental equipment. Manned space travel during the Skylab missions brought military dentists at the National Aeronautics and Space Administration or NASA to create a dental component for the in flight medical support system or IMSS. The dental equipment on board the three Skylab flights managed to assist the three man crews who were sent into space for periods lasting from 28 to 56 days at a time.
The dental equipment was intended to have the purpose of treating any ailments that could be dealt with on an outpatient basis according to one military dentist. The equipment remained to provide ample treatment to those in need far from the capacities of a do it yourself kit. There is a one percent risk that dental treatment might be needed for any of the three man crews that will be sent into space for 28 days and this is where the treatment concepts at that time were based upon. Only serious dental problems are involved when the one percent dental risk is considered especially when problems such as pulpitis or periodontal abscess cause a crew member to be inefficient in his work.
On the average there is a five percent risk that less serious concerns including fractured restorations may be experienced. Dental assistance during the Skylab project highly depended on the IMSS dental equipment as this article will further discuss utilizing a wide range of tools from syringes and anesthetic to periodontal curettes and Gigli saws. When it comes to the Air Force den corps they were able to contribute much for the IMSS equipment by making specially formulated restoration material that met in flight specifications. Even in zero gravity an astronaut can mix the material.
Successful test results guaranteed that the equipment will be of much use to the astronauts who were given a two day intensive training program regarding the use of such equipment. Limited knowledge was offered by the training programs because they only covered the dental problems requiring less or equal skill as that required for tooth extraction. Illustrations of the oral cavity from personal radiographs, diagnosis information, as well as procedural guidelines will be integrated into a dental manual that will be placed on the space vehicle.
In mission control, a dentist will be available with diagnostic casts, complete periapical and panoramic radiographs, color photos of each astronaut’s mouth, complete records of each astronaut’s dental status, plus narrative summaries of all dental treatment provided the astronauts since 1966. Space to ground conversation would be used extensively, and no diagnostic or treatment procedures would be instituted unless so directed from the ground by a dental officer.
Astronauts are trained to handle basic dental procedures but people involved in the program still find it hard to accept the fact that a legitimate dentist will be absent during the procedure. Especially for the Skylab missions any threat that could result to extreme financial losses even for reasons such as problems caused by a crew member’s dental pain may not be acceptable. The conclusion to the argument regarding dental procedures in space is that these will only be considered as a last point of action.
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