What does an orthopedic dentist treat and who is he?

Author of the article: Kryukov Andrey Vladimirovich

Chief physician. Doctor-expert

Specialization: Dentist-orthopedist

Total work experience: since 2005

Reading time: 7-8 minutes

Orthopedics in dentistry is a branch of medicine that deals with the restoration of teeth using all modern prosthetic techniques. It is not surprising that an orthopedic dentist is popularly known as a prosthetist. To preserve decaying teeth or restore the attractiveness of your smile, it is important to know with what symptoms you need to go to this specialist, what methods he uses and what results he guarantees.

Problems solved by orthopedic dentistry

To understand who an orthopedic dentist is, you need to know more about the field of medicine in which this doctor works. The main tasks that orthopedic dentistry solves are:

restoration of dentition;
elimination of chewing function disorders;
installation of prostheses, as well as regulating and replacement devices;
diagnosis, prevention and treatment of speech apparatus deficiencies;
therapy of jaw diseases using specialized devices and structures.

The efforts of specialists working in this field are aimed at eliminating most defects in the dentition and achieving maximum aesthetics of the result (taking into account the functional component).

The profession of a dental prosthetist involves pros and cons in the work. Among the advantages:

relevance - people have problems, dental diseases;
prospect - possible career growth, transition to a related profession;
flexible work schedule - you can work at a time that suits you;
high wages are due to the growth of private dental clinics that need doctors.

Among the disadvantages:

requirements for the profession - necessary personality qualities, skills that not everyone has;
duration and complexity of training;
mastering technologies, continuous training.

Before enrolling in training in this area, you should carefully, slowly, consider the positive and negative aspects. To build a successful career, desire alone will not be enough.

Symptoms for which people consult an orthopedic dentist

Consultation with a specialist is necessary if the following symptoms are present:

absence of any number of teeth in a row (as a result of planned removal, loss, after injury, etc.);
partial or almost complete destruction of the enamel and walls of the tooth;
diagnosed diseases of the gums or jaw bones;
increased (and in some cases painful) tooth sensitivity;
various types of TMJ disease (temporomandibular joint);
cosmetic defects (in particular, irregular shape, pigmentation and other disorders that spoil the aesthetics of the smile).

A dental therapist or other highly specialized specialist can diagnose problems that should be addressed specifically by an orthopedic dentist after an initial examination and consultation.

Rules for choosing a specialist

The best recommendation of any orthopedic dentist is the positive feedback from his patients.

The shining snow-white smile of your friend, who until recently was embarrassed to open his mouth again, should prompt you to ask him a natural question - where did he get his dentures?

However, the professionalism of an orthopedist may not be enough. What is important is the place where he works, whether the dental office and prosthetic workshop are equipped with modern equipment, the technologies and materials used.

You need to pay attention to all this when deciding to get dentures in a specific clinic.

When choosing a dental institution, you need to inquire about whether it has a license.

The human qualities of a doctor are also important. The degree of his involvement in his patient, willingness to talk about all possible options for dental restoration, frankness in describing the advantages and disadvantages of each method.

Prosthetics is an expensive type of treatment, so searching for the least expensive option is an understandable and justified desire. Take the time to compare prices in different clinics to choose the most financially suitable institution.

The video provides additional information on the topic of the article.

What does an orthopedic dentist treat?

What a prosthetist does cannot be 100% called treatment in the usual sense of the word. Rather, it resolves issues that are not amenable to therapeutic treatment. For example, you may be referred to an orthopedic dentist if you need:

Restoration of chewing function.
Gaps in the dentition do not allow chewing food with the necessary thoroughness, which has a detrimental effect on the functioning of the digestive system. The absence of one or more teeth in a row can lead to the appearance of chewing dysfunction, which disrupts the functioning of the dental system as a whole. In addition, muscle tone decreases and blood circulation slows down not only in soft tissues, but also in bone tissues. Ignoring the problem will inevitably lead to complications, in particular to periodontitis or periodontal disease. Thus, solving the issue of restoring the integrity of the dentition will help not only restore chewing functions, but also improve overall health.
Preservation of teeth
. If a tooth is not lost, but is significantly damaged, this is not yet a reason to remove it (even if the possibility of installing a filling is excluded to solve the problem). Thanks to the achievements of modern dentistry, doctors have the opportunity to preserve healthy roots and nerve endings, stop advanced caries and restore/restore the tooth.
Treatment of adentia
. Only an orthopedic dentist can help patients with partial or complete absence of teeth. In this case, based on the individual characteristics of the patient and the tasks assigned to him, the specialist will propose and install removable, conditionally removable or fixed dentures, implants or other techniques that can restore the integrity of the dentition.

The solution to the problem on the listed points is individual for each individual patient. Only a consultation and initial examination will allow us to predict and approve the treatment plan and all the nuances.

Most often, an orthopedic dentist is consulted for:

restoration of bone tissue and enamel in order to preserve living natural roots and nerve canals;
installing protective crowns on a tooth that is not subject to aesthetic restoration;
individual production and installation of various types of prostheses;
elimination of purely aesthetic defects (chips, uneven teeth, correction of enamel color, etc.).

It is mistakenly believed that the services of a prosthetist are required mainly by older patients. Modern dentistry is ready to offer effective solutions in the field of restoration and prosthetics for people of all ages, including children who have dental problems.

What determines the cost of services?

The cost of treatment by an orthopedist will depend on several factors:

Choice of methodology .
The most expensive today is considered to be implantation with fixation of a zirconium dioxide crown. The cost of the service in this case will start from 15 thousand rubles. The most affordable treatment option is the installation of a crown or bridge, the price of which starts from 5 thousand rubles.
Workload . The more destroyed units need to be restored, the more material will be needed to make structures. For example, the same bridge for one tooth will cost from 5 thousand rubles, and for two crowns, the cost will increase to 8 thousand rubles.
Material of manufacture . When using expensive materials, the final cost of the product and service will be significantly higher than when using cheap options. So, a metal crown will cost 1,500 rubles, while the cost of a ceramic one starts from 6 thousand rubles.

Orthodontic treatment is a mandatory procedure for edentia, which will not only restore the aesthetics of the smile, but also normalize the natural functionality of the dentition.

Average prices

The cost of services of a specialist in this area is determined by several main factors:

The method chosen for the work. Implantation using fixation of zirconium dioxide crown is the most expensive. The average cost of such services today is set at 15,000 rubles .
The total amount of work performed. Depending on the volume of dental units being restored, the total cost of the work is determined. In this case, the cost of manufacturing and installing a bridge varies from 5,000 to 8,500 rubles.
Material used in manufacturing. The cost of the material is the determining factor in setting the price of the product. A metal crown can cost 1,500 rubles , while a ceramic crown will cost 6,000 or more.

Techniques used by an orthopedic dentist

Already knowing what an orthopedic dentist treats, it’s time to understand what techniques he uses to achieve his goals. Today there are three of them:

Microprosthetics
. Suitable for cases where the patient has only cosmetic defects and there is a high degree of preservation of the tooth (only the upper part is damaged). To implement microprosthetics, the following are used:
Lumineers
. The design and method of use/installation are similar to veneers, but thinner. Their installation does not require preliminary grinding of all tooth enamel.
Tabs
. Unlike veneers and lumineers, they are used not on the front teeth, but on the chewing teeth. They are visually similar to fillings, but are made not from composite materials, but from ceramics.
Removable prosthetics
. Orthopedic structures for this type of prosthetics are a nylon or plastic base with securely attached artificial teeth. There are two types of such prostheses:
partial
(similar to “bridges”, but they can be removed from the mouth independently).

Such prostheses are attached using clasps (semicircular locks), suction cups, or glue (depending on the type of prosthesis).

Fixed prosthetics (permanent)
. This type of prosthetics involves the use of:
Bridge prostheses
. They are used in cases where several teeth in a row are missing in a row. They are structures consisting of two supporting crowns (placed on supporting units) and a “bridge” with artificial teeth located between them.
Implants.
A completely artificial structure, part of which is implanted into the bone tissue of the jaw (over time, complete engraftment/fusion occurs). They consist of artificial roots on which an artificial tooth is placed (screwed).

Now you know what an orthopedic dentist treats and what modern techniques he uses for this. Don’t aggravate existing dental problems - plan to schedule a consultation with a prosthetist soon to learn more about how exactly your individual issues can be solved.

Bottom line

Orthopedics is a branch of medicine that deals with issues of the musculoskeletal system. Orthopedics in dentistry deals with the problem of restoring chewing and speech functions, returning the patient to the ability to fully chew food and talk with people. If any number of teeth are lost, the patient seeks help from a prosthetist. The choice of dentures depends on the financial capabilities of the patient, the clinical picture, and the equipment of the dental clinic.

The best option is to install implants with subsequent fusion with bone tissue. Such structures protect bone mass from atrophy and completely replace tooth roots. Removable and fixed dentures are cheaper than implants, but do not protect bone and gum tissue from atrophy and loss. The choice of prosthetic method also largely depends on the condition of the patient’s oral cavity: for many, bridges or other structures are contraindicated due to malocclusion, pathology of bone or gum tissue.

Sources used:

Abolmasov, N. G. Orthopedic dentistry. - Moscow: MEDpress-inform, 2007.
Lebedenko I. Yu., Kalivradzhiyana E. S. Orthopedic dentistry: textbook. — Moscow: GEOTAR-Media, 2012.
Wikipedia article

Which colleagues does the prosthetist interact with?

The implementation of any of the techniques used by an orthopedic dentist is impossible without close interaction with other specialists. An integrated approach to restoration and prosthetics is carried out with the contribution of the following doctors to the common cause:

Dentist-therapist
. Performs preparatory work prior to prosthetics - carries out sanitation of the oral cavity, removes dental deposits (plaque and tartar), and treats diseases of the mucous membrane and periodontium.
Dentist-surgeon
. At the preparation stage, it removes teeth and non-viable roots in cases where the problem cannot be treated therapeutically. At the stage of prosthetics, implants are implanted into the jaw, on which the orthopedist later carries out the final stage of restoration of the dentition.
Dental Technician
. This specialist uses impressions made by an orthopedist to make the necessary prosthetics and orthopedic structures. If necessary, after fitting the patient, he also adjusts the created prostheses, correcting possible shortcomings that cause discomfort to the patient.
Anesthesiologist (or resuscitator)
. Interaction with this colleague is necessary when, with complete edentia, it is necessary to place many implants on both jaws. This procedure may require general rather than local anesthesia.
Dentist-orthodontist
. If prosthetics are to be installed, and the patient has problems with the bite, then the treatment plan includes the need to contact this particular specialist. After complete treatment, you can begin preparing and installing prostheses.

When planning prosthetics, be prepared for the fact that a comprehensive solution to the problem will be required. This means that in addition to the orthopedic dentist, you will have to visit a number of highly specialized specialists.

Examination methods and technologies used

One of the conditions for the successful work of an orthopedist is a correct diagnosis. To obtain a detailed picture of the disease and identify even minor deviations in the development of the jaw and teeth, they most often resort to an orthopantomogram, wax modeling and computed tomography.

Orthopantomogram

It is an x-ray examination method that makes it possible to obtain images of both jaws at once in different projections. It is used to study the position of individual teeth, the condition of their roots and tissues.

In addition, an orthopantomogram is used to determine the relationship of the dentition of the upper and lower jaws in relation to each other. The study is prescribed both before the start of treatment and during it.

Wax modeling

One of the mandatory orthopedic diagnostic techniques is wax modeling. It is intended to determine the position of the teeth and further manufacture of the prosthesis. The more detailed the modeling is, the better the quality of the prosthesis produced.

CT scan

This type of study allows you to study the condition and structure of the bone of the alveolar ridge, teeth and periodontium. Thanks to the layer-by-layer method of tissue examination, the most minor deviations are identified, which can negatively affect the placement of orthopedic structures.

Most often, computed tomography is used before the implantation procedure and during its operation.

How is the diagnosis performed at the initial appointment with an orthopedic dentist?

Modern dentistry allows almost all manipulations to be performed painlessly for the patient. At the same time, some people who have had bad experiences in the past are afraid of visiting clinics. Most often, they prefer to know in advance what a specialist will do in order to mentally prepare not only for the procedures, but also for the initial examination, during which the diagnosis is made. If you are planning to visit a prosthetist for the first time, be prepared for the following stages of interaction:

Basic: Questioning to collect anamnesis
. Here the specialist asks questions that will help you individually choose a method for solving the problem.
Facial examination
. To study the size of the mouth gap, possible shortening of the lower part of the face and asymmetry, features of the setting of the lips and chin. The tone of the lip muscles is also determined by palpation.
Oral examination
. The bite, shape, size and condition of existing teeth are carefully examined. The condition of the mucous membrane, the individual nuances of the formation of the frenulum of the lips are also assessed, the shape and span of the tongue, the arch of the hard palate and the general development of the jaws are studied.
X-ray
. Radiography allows you to assess the condition of the supporting units, as well as identify the presence of impacted and other special elements that cannot be detected without photographs.

Additional
(may be needed for a deeper study and accurate diagnosis):

functional chewing samples are taken;

nasal breathing is assessed (diagnostic methods such as rhinoscopy, rhinopneumometry, rhinomanometry can be used);

For the purpose of in-depth diagnosis of occlusion, teleradiography is done, after which the image allows us to give a more detailed picture of the size, shape, position and functionality of the tongue;

Based on the results of cephalometry, the condition of the facial skeleton is assessed in order to determine the optimal technique for prosthetics.

Based on the results of the main and additional examination, the specialist makes a diagnosis and develops individual treatment tactics. Knowing who an orthopedic dentist is, in what cases you should contact him and what he will do when you arrive at your appointment, visiting dentistry will not be so scary. And since the initial examination is absolutely painless and without discomfort, it makes sense to at least sign up for a consultation in order to understand the condition of your teeth and whether it is possible to save those about which you have complaints.

What qualities does an applicant need to have?

The profession of any dentist involves a set of necessary personality qualities that are needed in work and career growth. In their absence, successful performance of job duties is impossible:

responsibility for the course of treatment;
being careful to minimize the risk of injury or aggravation of the problem;
tendency to work with hands, endurance;
well-developed fine motor skills for carrying out small operations;
friendliness and sociability.

Specialists continuously improve and expand their qualifications. What makes the specialty of an orthopedic dentist not the easiest. Therefore, applicants must be prepared for a serious approach.

Where to study

In Russia there are many educational institutions where you can get an education in dentistry. There are all comfortable conditions for improving your qualifications, various courses for moving into a related area of practice.

The profession of a medical assistant or nurse can be obtained at a medical college, where testing is carried out upon admission.

Benefits of postgraduate study

If a resident does not want to stop there after graduating from university, he can enroll in graduate school. This will allow him to deepen his knowledge and hone his professional skills, as well as devote himself to scientific activities in the future.

Because graduate students gain important teaching and management skills, they greatly expand the types of positions they can take upon completion of their studies. Graduate students are more in demand on the Russian labor market, which guarantees their successful employment.