Annual Research Progress Report (U.S. Army Institute of Dental Research, Washington, DC)
Abstract
Studies were directed toward improving oral health care delivery to the soldier in the field. These initiatives include methods, materials and hardware designed specifically to meet the problems anticipated in providing effective oral health care in the combat environment. Qualitative and quantitative data are being developed to define and pinpoint present and future obstacles to oral health care delivery. A pulse-pressure water lavage method is being extended to decontamination of the field soldier exposed to toxic materials and an x-ray intensification device which may provide a portable system of immediate x-ray diagnosis useful under field conditions. Uses for biodegradable PLA-PGA copolymers or single polymers alone as hollow organ devices, medicament-carrying wound coverings, fixation devices in maxillofacial wounds and slow-drug-release systems are continuing to show positive results. The drug DMPS which has been found to be superior to BAL and administerable under field conditions for treating mercury and arsenic toxicity has also been found useful in nickel, cadmium and copper detoxification. Several method studies of importance to supporting the soldier in the field include ways of preventing cross-contamination in the use of N2O anesthesia apparata, the rapid serologic identification of infectious organisms under field conditions and means of improving casting accuracy of oral prostheses in the field.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA083100
Entities
Organizations
- United States Army Institute of Surgical Research