Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Theapplication ofalocalanesthetic ointmentsuchasxylocainejellymayprovidesome
symptomatic relief. Individuals with recurrent herpes should have their physicians pre-
scribe oral acyclovir and have that with them in the wilderness. The blisters usually heal in
five to ten days, and although uncomfortable and perhaps unsightly, they usually cause no
significant disability.
DENTAL EMERGENCIES
Prevention
Dental emergencies, except for traumatic injuries, should be almost entirely prevented
by routine dental care, which should include brushing twice a day, daily flossing (which is
ofgreatestsignificanceforpreventinggumdisease),andvisitstoadentisteverysixmonths
or so for cleaning, periodic dental X-rays, and treatment of any problems that are found.
Before an extended outing to a remote area, all potential dental problems must be treated.
ThePeaceCorpsrequirescertificationofadentalexaminationandtreatmentbeforeassign-
ing any volunteers to developing countries. The National Science Foundation has similar
requirements and also requires that impacted and unopposed third molars be extracted be-
fore travel to Antarctica.
Dental Pain
Dental pain has a number of causes and can be severe enough to be disabling.
Acute Pulpitis
Acutepulpitisisacommonpainfulconditioncausedbyinflammation ofthedentalpulp
and ranges in severity from mild discomfort to intense, disabling pain. Identifying the in-
volved tooth is often difficult because the pain radiates to the eye, ear, or another tooth.
The tooth is rarely sensitive to tapping or palpation. Commonly pain may be elicited by
exposure to cold or sweets. With more severe pulpitis, heat can cause pain. Sometimes a
significant cavity can be found in the tooth, but more often no abnormality can be seen.
Treatment consists of the administration of an analgesic such as acetaminophen. With
severepulpitis,astrongeranalgesicmaybeneededandtheindividualmayneedtobeevac-
uatedfordentalcare.Ideallyanerveblockfortheaffectedtoothcouldbeadministered,but
few individuals who have not practiced administering such blocks would have the skills,
equipment, or anesthetic agents to perform that procedure.
Periapical Osteitis
Periapical osteitis is an inflammatory condition of the supporting structures of the root
of a tooth that is characterized by constant, throbbing pain. Unlike acute pulpitis, the tooth
typically can be precisely identified. The area over the root tip is usually tender but not
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