The possibility is evident considering the duration of a space flight to Mars and back could require up to more than five years. The dental concerns of a space mission are only a small part of a much larger team effort; however, it is one not to be overlooked. Recently in India (balwant rai), aeronautic dentistry is evolving: Barodontalgia. Flight surgeons and dentists should be aware of this phenomenon and use preventive measures to minimize its incidence and severity. Once referred to as “flyer's toothache,” barodontalgia is defined as tooth pain occurring with changes in ambient pressure. It usually occurs in people who fly or dive. It may be due to sinusitis, and in teeth experiencing pulpitis after restorative treatment, new and recurrent caries, intra-treatment endodontic symptoms, dental and periodontal cysts, or abscesses. It has been reported that the most common cause of the barodontalgia in space due to Chronic pulpitis, maxillary sinusitis ,No pathosis etc. The pulpitis was treated by root filling or replacing a deep filling, subsequent exposure to low pressure caused no pain. Root fillings placed using cold lateral condensation of gutta-percha to within 2 mm of the radiographic apex of the tooth were associated with the best outcome. Although the actual process of barodontalgia is not well understood, it may be related to pulpal hyperemia, or to gases that are trapped in the teeth following incomplete root canal treatment. Moreover, sensory and nonsensory aspects of pain experience may be differentially influenced by exercise stress. Patients who are frequently exposed to changes in ambient pressure should be encouraged to follow good oral health practices, attend regularly-scheduled dental recall examinations and accept the timely completion of restorative treatment to minimize the possibility of developing barodontalgia.

I recommend regular dental examinations with careful assessment of previous dental restorations in aircrew subject to decompression.