THE RESULTS OF DENTAL THERAPY IN FIFTY CASES OF AEROTITIS MEDIA IN SUBMARINE PERSONNEL BASED UPON A NEW FUNCTIONAL CONCEPT OF EUSTACHIAN TUBE BLOCKAGE
Abstract
The problem of aerotitis media in submarine personnel and the relation of dental defects and malocclusion to eustachian tube failure was studied in order to demonstrate the effectiveness of dental measures leading to the correction of defects so that the man could equalize air pressure and thus prevent the occurrence of aerotitis media. The problem is defined and the history of previous work is completely analyzed. The principal difference between the present approach and that used by previous investigators is the analyzing of all cases in function. The methods of diagnosis, x-rays in open and closed position, models mounted upon a movable articulator follow the concept of motion. The treatment had for its objective the restoration of unstrained muscular activity and this was accomplished by freeing the lower jaw in functional occlusion to permit unhampered movements in all excursions. With this restoration of unstrained muscular activity normal function was restored to the superior pharyngeal constrictor due to its interrelation with the buccinator through the pterygomandibular raphe, thereby stimulating lymph flow from the Eustachian tube and middle ear, relieving congestion in this area and restoring voluntary tubal patency, permitting equalization of the air pressure in the middle ear and in the surrounding atmosphere.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 21, 1946
- Accession Number
- AD0638166
Entities
People
- William J. Kelly