Orthopedic dentist: who is he, what does he do and what does a dentist treat in the field of prosthetics? Dentist, orthopedist or orthodontist: Which Specialist Do You Need?

Orthopedics is a huge branch of medicine, but it has nothing to do with dentistry. The orthopedist's task is to solve and treat problems musculoskeletal system. And such a specialty as an orthopedic dentist appeared relatively recently, and such a specialist is engaged in diagnosing, studying and treating any defects that are associated with chewing-speech apparatus.

Today, dental services have developed rapidly, and are no longer limited to just treatment. Modern dentistry every time it offers more and more specialized services. For this reason, there are several qualifications for dentists:

People usually confuse orthopedists with orthodontists, but they are completely different specialties. Orthodontists correct malocclusion or crooked teeth, but orthopedist performs prosthetics or, in other words, restores the external or inner part tooth Patients come to an orthodontist for help only in the most extreme cases.

Orthopedic dentists most often pass general practice , so sometimes they can even do the work of a surgeon, because this part of dentistry is also related to prosthetics.

From this point on, you can describe the activities of this specialist in more detail. The main responsibility of an orthopedist is restore teeth and perform prosthetics. What is the difference between restoration and prosthetics?

Tooth restoration occurs only if the tooth is completely healthy and its root is not damaged. If the tooth is damaged and the root is severely damaged, then it is implanted or, in other words, prosthetics.

At the moment, orthopedics in dentistry is a popular service. Thanks to it, not only the appearance of the teeth is restored, but also their functions. Under what circumstances do people seek the help of an orthopedist:

1. Destruction. The tooth can be destroyed from caries and physical damage. In this case, it is given a beautiful appearance, and its functional side is also restored. Even molars can be restored, and this must be done as quickly as possible. After all, a person loses their chewing ability, which causes great inconvenience.
2. Protection from destruction. It is not always possible to completely restore a tooth with the help of a prosthesis, because they are designed to restore a specific part. Usually, a crown is installed on part of the destroyed tooth, which prevents the tooth from decaying further. When the enamel has certain defects, the tooth can break at any moment, so with the help of a doctor this defect can be prevented.
3. Correction of minor defects. Sometimes it happens that the teeth are completely healthy, but their appearance leaves much to be desired. And in such cases, the help of an orthopedist may be useful. Thin ceramic plates can hide some defects, such as chips, scratches and crevices.

Success beautiful smile completely depends on an experienced orthopedic dentist. But before treatment, the doctor must will appoint necessary examination . It includes the following:

• Orthopantomogram.
• CT scan.
• Modeling using wax.
• Other highly specialized examination.

After this, the doctor will determine actual condition dental system. He then moves on to work on the prosthetic in his laboratory. After all main goal in the work of an orthopedist is restore all functions decayed tooth and the main one is the chewing function.

Types of dental prosthetics

Most often in his work, an orthopedist uses special tabs. Even today it is unclear what ceramic inlays can be classified as: dentures or fillings. The inlays must be made of durable material, mostly ceramic.

They are designed to close and protect root canals that greatly expand after caries or pulpitis. But, in addition, they restore the appearance of the tooth.

There is also such a thing as onlays; they differ in that they follow the curve of the tooth and acquire its color. Ceramic linings and inlays are durable and are not afraid of any food. To secure them, cement is used; it secures them well and does not harm the body.

Veneers - the thinnest ceramic plate, before installation of which the tooth is strongly ground down, and then it is set on dental cement. They are usually used for chips. Sometimes they are placed when the tooth becomes very yellow.

They can also be used for minor curvatures, so as not to resort to braces. At the same time, they are not afraid of scratches and dyes, but are still susceptible to chips.

Using Lumineers. With the help of lumineers, you can correct minor tooth defects without harming the enamel. But, besides this, they are intended for those patients who cannot have veneers installed.

To install lumineers, a small hole is required, because they are only 0.3 mm thick. Lumineers are too thin and this is not only their advantage, but also a disadvantage. They cannot hide the entire defect.

An orthopedic dentist also deals with well-known prosthetics, which are crowns. Crowns are similar in appearance to teeth and are shaped like a cap. Crowns come from different materials: metal, ceramic or plastic and their strength depends on this.

The most expensive type of prosthetics are ceramic crowns. They are able to completely replicate not only the shape of the tooth, but also its color and naturalness.

Metal crowns differ in affordability. But the teeth will no longer look natural and such a prosthesis is usually placed on the molars. But the chewing function metal crowns perform perfectly.

Plastic crowns rarely used in dentistry. They are usually used when the patient is waiting for a permanent crown to be made, but cannot walk with bare gums. In other words, such crowns are temporary.

Bridge prosthesis

If several teeth are missing in one row, then placing single ceramic crowns is expensive, so an implant is used. But here bridge installs without this. A bridge is a structure that is similar to crowns, but only for several teeth at the same time.

This helps restore the condition of not only damaged teeth, but also missing ones. Another advantage of such crowns is that doctors give them a lifetime guarantee.

Plate dentures. This type of prosthesis is removable and is used quite often. It is usually placed when all teeth are completely or partially lost. Most often, old people resort to such prosthetics, because they cannot afford another type of prosthetics. They are attached using suction cups or glue.

Clasp dentures

Such prostheses are a system of fastenings, locks and clasps. The latter are fastenings for removable denture, which capture teeth from different sides. Such prostheses use metal, and this has a bad effect on appearance.

Naturally, important work An orthopedist is to completely restore lost or damaged teeth, so now an orthopedic dentist provides some of the most expensive services in dentistry. But such doctors are able to select material based on the client’s capabilities, and this is their advantage.

Choosing a good and qualified orthopedist

When choosing a prosthodontist, consider the following:

Constant control over the oral cavity can save a person from many problems with teeth and gums. Timely treatment and elimination of defects is carried out by an orthopedic dentist, with the help of whom you can forget about decayed teeth or their absence. It should be remembered: the less in the oral cavity healthy teeth, the more difficult it is to restore them and make prosthetics.

The world is changing so rapidly. Just think, just the day before yesterday our patients had to be explained in detail what braces are, and many dentists told us that “these braces” ruin their teeth. Yesterday, the patient was given the choice “either we wear braces for two years and straighten our teeth, or “file down” them with ceramics.” That is, as M. M. Zhvanetsky said: “choose, but carefully.” And finally, today has come. Today, in the sentence “orthodontist or orthopedist,” the conjunction has changed; now it reads “orthodontist and orthopedist,” to their mutual satisfaction, and most importantly, to the satisfaction of the patient.

An integrated approach came to dentistry as a spirit of the times. Gone are the years when the dentist combined all specialties: he treated, he also removed, he also moved teeth, because he was the only one in the settlement and the purpose of his work was to restore the function of chewing. This had its advantages. A plan of action, a sequence of execution, so to speak, a battle strategy, arose in the head of one person, and he also implemented this plan. And, most importantly for the patient, he and only he was responsible for the final result. True, the requirements for the quality of the result were not so high, and the cost was an order of magnitude lower than the current one.

The modern patient is much more picky about the aesthetics of the result than his grandparents. Yes, he has not been to the dentist for the last 10-15 years and some teeth are missing in his mouth and there are a number of secondary deformities. But the patient wants “Hollywood” to be done to him, preferably quickly and “forever”.

Someone agrees - and falls into a trap. Because a narrow specialist will not always be able to satisfy the patient’s requirements only on his own, and an intelligent specialist will not always want to. “Of course, if you send a patient for a consultation with an orthodontist, he will get lost,” someone might think. It will not be lost if a team of doctors works with the patient. And the team is the general concept, good communication and the ability to “lender a shoulder.”

Often a team takes years to form. The main problem is the lack of time for communication between specialists and the lack of information about the possibilities of related specialties. Even if this is in order, a problem may arise as to who is the “captain” on the team and who is the project coordinator. Having been pushed around enough for a long time, I worked it out for myself next rule. The team captain is the doctor who completes the treatment, that is, the orthopedist. The coordinator is the doctor who has been treating the patient for the longest time, that is, the orthodontist. Of course, there will be other specialists on this team: a therapist, a surgeon, a periodontist. I would like to see her as an osteopath, a psychologist, and sometimes a lawyer. But the rules of the game practically do not change depending on the number of participants. So, the rules.

First. Specialists must have a desire to play team game. Despite the fact that this is a troublesome task. A single doctor who does not want to change his worldview, saying, “I’ve been working like this for many years, and nothing…” should not be involved in this process.

Second. Team members must have a common vision and trust in each other. We must “transfer” the patient to someone else’s chair, knowing that they will not let us down. Sometimes I shuddered slightly at the words said with a slight grin: “Well, how are you going to move those teeth?” The only correct answer that came to mind was: “Silently.” Yes, I will silently move my teeth, knowing that you are silently doing your job, for each of us is doing our own thing, which we know and love.

Third. We should know a little about each other's capabilities. Orthodontist - about veneers, metal-free, implantation, periodontal surgery. Colleagues - about the possibility of aligning tilted molars, intrusion of antagonists of missing teeth, orthodontic bone regeneration, etc. In order to understand how each of us can be useful to a colleague and how much. “It’s difficult to follow the rapid development of your specialty. And then you have to keep an eye on someone else,” “someone” might think. If you don't want to, you don't need to. Everyone can stay at their own level. An integrated approach - for “advanced users”.

Fourth. Optimal sequence of actions. After the initial consultation with any of the specialists, a joint consultation is required. The “first doctor” suspected A complex approach, assigned the patient the amount of additional data necessary for diagnosis, for example, photos, OPTG, TRG, CT. It would be good to first show the patient to colleagues. The Internet is indispensable here. You can exchange data and opinions online. But a “face-to-face” joint consultation is still necessary. At least to introduce “your team” to the patient. It is better for most of the specialists involved in the team to be present at the same time. Imagine the problem. The team consists of 4 specialists. The patient needs to be registered 4 times at a time convenient for him, taking into account the fact that each doctor sees him at different days. Question: how long will it take from the initial consultation to drawing up general plan treatment? And the second question: will the patient wait to see all the specialists or change the team? The joint consultation should conclude with a discussion of the treatment plan. At this stage, you need to argue, ask questions to each other, consider various options and scope of intervention. Then formulate an idea and describe it with the sequence of actions and the amount of intervention of each specialist at each stage of treatment.

Fifth. Be prepared to change the treatment plan and inform colleagues about this. For example, the impossibility of “canal retreatment” and subsequent tooth extraction can significantly change both the orthodontist’s work plan and the orthopedist’s work plan. By the way, the patient must also be prepared for changes in both the treatment plan and its cost.

Sixth. Gain patient support. Reaching the patient's consciousness is often not an easy task. All team members must participate in this. The person who is interested in implementing the plan is not the one who “earns the most from it.” Everyone is interested. Why should an orthodontist create a place for implantation, waste time on the intrusion of a “protruding” tooth, if the patient is not going to replace a defect in the dentition “in principle”, he, as usual, is only interested in the smile line. Why plan super-beautiful veneers for the “front” if “I don’t plan to do the sides” (familiar quote?). That is, an integrated approach - for selected patients who either understand the essence of their problem or accept the position of a doctor or doctors they trust. Necessary means necessary.

Seventh. Always remember that we are a team. If you receive a “complex” patient, do not forget to once again contact the “previous” doctor to once again coordinate your intervention, and then contact the “subsequent” doctor, so to speak, to make sure that the patient was scheduled for an appointment, that it took place . Yes, this is a “human chain”, “relay race”, as you like. But the team that reaches the finish line in a coordinated manner wins, and not the team that has “star” players. Although the “stars” are not as far away as they seem.

Patient I. (Fig. 1-19) was referred for consultation to an orthodontist by an orthopedist. Condition 2.2, 2.4 is unsatisfactory.

Rice. 1. Before treatment. Rice. 2. Before treatment. Rice. 3. Before treatment. Rice. 4. OTP before treatment.
Rice. 5. Smile before treatment. Rice. 6. Smile before treatment. Rice. 7. After orthodontic preparation. Rice. 8. After orthodontic preparation.
Rice. 9. After orthodontic preparation. Rice. 10. Smile after orthodontic preparation. Rice. 11. Smile after orthodontic preparation. Rice. 12. OPTG after orthodontic preparation.
Rice. 13. After treatment. Rice. 14. After treatment. Rice. 15. After treatment. Rice. 17. After treatment. Rice. 19. Smile after treatment.

The decision was made to remove them. A bridge supported by 1.1 and 2.5 -+ is not a solution, and there is an impacted 2.3 in the jaw. 1.3 was removed in the anamnesis. 1.2 - condition after resection of the root apex.

Orthodontic diagnosis: 2nd skeletal class, 2nd dentoalveolar class, 2nd subclass. Deep bite. Retrusion of the front of the upper and lower jaw. There are secondary deformations of the dentition. Support suffers upper lip. Unsatisfactory smile aesthetics.

The orthopedist set the main task - to get impacted tooth. And he gave complete freedom to the orthodontist. It was decided to reveal the place for prosthetics or implantation of 1.3 and limit ourselves to a compromise treatment in the scope of eliminating deep bite and converting 2/2 to 2/1. During the treatment, spontaneous eruption occurred 2.3. At the treatment stage, an OPTG was performed for discussion with the orthopedist and implantologist. The orthodontist was interested in hearing comments on the position of the teeth from the orthopedist while the braces are on the teeth and correction is possible. In turn, the orthodontist expressed the wish that the orthopedic design act as a retainer in the area of ​​the upper front teeth. The plan for the “transition” period was also discussed in detail. In the interval between removing braces and installing orthopedic structures, it is necessary to consider temporary retention. Yes, such that the retainer, on the one hand, holds the teeth, and on the other hand, does not interfere with the orthopedist’s preparation of the teeth and taking impressions. Once the work is completed, the OSAMU retainer is used as a retainer on the lower jaw. Orthodontic preparation took 2 years. The result is an optimal inclination of the incisors at upper jaw. More acceptable occlusion. One more tooth for support. Improving the position of supporting teeth. Is it more convenient for an orthopedist to work in such conditions? Let's ask him.

The names of the medical specialties “orthodontist” and “orthopedist” are familiar to many. But not everyone knows exactly what doctors working in these areas do. Let’s try to understand this issue, and also find out how an orthodontist differs from an orthopedist.

Definition

Orthodontist is a specialist in dentistry who diagnoses and corrects a variety of dental defects.

Orthopedist– a doctor whose efforts are aimed at eliminating disorders in the musculoskeletal system. In dentistry, this qualification is related to the restoration and prosthetics of teeth.

Comparison

Thus, the two concepts are unequal in scope. The difference between an orthodontist and an orthopedist is that only the first of them is associated exclusively with dentistry. In general, this medical field consists of several branches. Each of them has its own medical specialty.

For example, a dental therapist helps with caries or gum inflammation. The dental surgeon removes the destroyed fragments and produces others necessary operations. The attention of other specialists is directed to other problems.

The orthodontist, one of them, deals with the necessary corrective procedures. He straightens the dentition by installing appropriate structures and works on bite distortions. The subject of consideration here is precisely the developmental defects of the masticatory apparatus, and not the consequences of any injuries. Patients in this case are often children and adolescents. But even in adults, some deformities, for example those associated with tooth loss, are corrected.

As for the orthopedist, he is not always a dentist. People with poor posture, foot defects, altered shape turn to this specialist chest and similar problems. It is often recommended to wear corrective devices.

A prosthodontist who works in the field of dentistry deals with decayed or missing teeth. He builds up crowns onto still living units, installs implants and secures structures in the mouth in the form removable dentures suitable configuration.

Let’s summarize and say again what is the difference between an orthodontist and an orthopedist. So, the activities of the first specialist are related only to dentistry. An orthodontist eliminates anomalies that occur in the dentofacial area. An orthopedic doctor deals with musculoskeletal disorders. He is not necessarily a dentist. And if this is so, then it is the orthopedist who places crowns on the teeth and introduces various prostheses into the oral cavity.

In modern dental clinics there are many highly specialized doctors who provide medical care only for a certain type of diseases of the maxillofacial system. The dentist-surgeon performs all necessary operations, the orthodontist corrects the bite using braces, the periodontist treats periodontal inflammation, orthopedic dentist doesalmost everything related to prosthetics, namely: installing dentures to restore teeth.

This article will tell you in more detail about the most popular dentist - an orthopedist, and will also help you understand other specialties of dentists.

Dentists: what are they?

Dentistry is a fairly broad area of ​​medicine, which is divided into several specific areas: therapy, surgery, orthopedics, orthodontics, periodontics and others. Depending on the chosen qualifications, skills and abilities, each doctor has his own area of ​​responsibility and set of actions performed.

To understand which dentist to contact in various situations and what is the difference between an orthopedist and an orthodontist, a surgeon and a therapist, you should know the features of their activities.

Profile specialists often work together and closely interact with each other, because the patient may need a set of measures aimed at full recovery problem area of ​​the oral cavity.

Dentist-therapist

It all usually starts with this dentist. People come to him when they are worried toothache or other symptoms associated with maxillofacial region. He conducts diagnostics and an initial examination, establishes a diagnosis and prescribes treatment, and gives referrals to specialized specialists. His competence includes standard problems: caries, infectious diseases And inflammatory processes in the oral cavity.

Dentist-therapist:

• cleans channels;
• removes nerves;
• installs seals;
• removes tartar and plaque;
• restores teeth;
• performs sanitation of the oral cavity before prosthetics or other dental procedures.

Dental surgeon

This doctor comes to the rescue if conventional methods treatments are ineffective, and drastic solutions are needed that require surgical intervention.

Dental surgeon:

• removes teeth, tumors and cysts;
• eliminates acquired and congenital defects;
• opens foci of abscess and other inflammations;
• prepares the jaw for prosthetics and performs implantation;
• deals with restoration and plastic surgery of the jaw, as well as any other operations in the oral cavity.

Dentist-orthodontist

This doctor deals with dental disorders associated with malocclusion, which he corrects with the help of braces, mouth guards, plates and other devices. These can be genetic, congenital, age-related, acquired as a result of a disease or deformation anomaly:

• individual teeth;
• dental arches;
• jaws.

There are several other important specialties among dentists:

• Periodontist. Treats periodontal diseases, which is a complex of tissues surrounding the teeth and ensuring their fixation.
• Children's dentist. It differs from an adult dentist, since milk teeth, developing jaws and the child’s psyche have their own characteristics. This requires certain knowledge for proper treatment.
• Dental Technician. Engaged in the manufacture of dentures in dental laboratories.

But the main direction that makes it possible to restore teeth even in cases where other dentists are unable to help is dental orthopedics.

Orthopedics as a field of dentistry

In general, orthopedics is a large branch of the medical system that deals with disorders of the musculoskeletal system, and orthopedics in dentistry is only an independent part of it.

Dental orthopedicsspecializes in eliminating problems with the chewing-speech apparatus, is based on restoring its function and integrity through the installation of prostheses. This procedure is called prosthetics.

You should contact dental orthopedics if:

Appointments in orthopedic offices are conducted by specialized highly specialized doctors high category- orthopedic dentists.

Orthopedic dentist: what does he do?

The responsibilities of this doctor include restoring the dentition. An orthopedist, due to the consonant name and similar goals, is often identified with an orthodontist. But there is a significant difference between them - an orthodontist corrects crooked teeth and problematic bites using braces, while An orthopedist restores teeth, or rather, their outer and inner parts, using prosthetics. Therefore, he is sometimes also called a prosthetist.

An orthopedist or dental prosthetist helps in solving all of the above problems, for which it is recommended to contact orthopedic dentistry.

What troubles can you get rid of with the help of a dental orthopedist:

• Constant feeling of psychological discomfort. The absence of one or more teeth spoils the aesthetic appearance of the face and even its symmetry, which makes a person feel insecure and uncomfortable. The same sensations can be caused by dental defects: chips, curvatures, crevices, etc. Especially in the “smile zone.” This is where the help of a prosthetist should come in handy.
• The next problem that occurs with insufficient teeth is no less important - significant disturbances in chewing function. She needs quick recovery because it stimulates natural processes the entire dental system, restoring it normal work: muscle tone, nutrition and blood circulation of bone tissue cells. Normal chewing function is not only beneficial for health and metabolic processes in the body, but also helps in the fight against periodontal disease.
• The threat of tooth loss due to its continuous destruction. It happens that a tooth has completely healthy roots, but its external bone has already begun to deteriorate, to such an extent that the filling is no longer effective. To stop destructive process and save the tooth by avoiding it total loss, you need to contact orthopedic dentistry.
• A dental orthopedist also treats complete edentia, which allows people who are missing all their teeth to lead a normal life.

In all these situations, veneers, inlays, crowns, dentures or other protective structures will save the situation. Their installation or prosthetics is exactly what an orthopedic dentist does.

Types of prosthetics

The choice of type of prosthetics depends on many factors. The condition, number and location of the teeth play a role here. individual characteristics sick, price policy and other circumstances. The difference is what the orthopedic dentist does in each special case, consists of the techniques used and the prostheses used.

Microprosthetics

Suitable for situations where you need to restore a deformed or damaged tooth. The following prostheses are used:

• Veneers. The doctor places them if there are minor defects in the front teeth: chips, cracks, curvature, discoloration. Veneers are thin ceramic plates up to 0.7 mm wide that completely follow the shape of the tooth, are installed in one appointment and last up to 10 years.
• Lumineers. They are placed when, for some reason, veneers are contraindicated for the patient. These pads are slightly different from each other. The difference is that lumineers are thinner (0.3 mm), more difficult to get used to, hide defects less, and are more prone to breakage.
• Tabs. They are very similar to fillings, but they also have some differences: they last longer, are made of durable ceramics, and are able to recreate dental shape, and are also used when the filling is ineffective.

Removable dentures are inexpensive, easy to install, and easy to care for. These dentures come in several types: plate, clasp, suction cups, butterflies. Removable structures are most often used:

• with edentia - if there are no teeth on one or both jaws;
• for elderly people - other types of prostheses are more expensive and may not be well tolerated by the elderly;
• for children - when early loss of baby teeth can cause crooked dentition.

Fixed structures

Fixed dentures are durable and reliable, have an attractive appearance, and are made from different materials, which makes it possible to provide prosthetics to people with any financial capabilities. These include:

• crowns are prostheses that are placed in a wide variety of situations, but most of all they are suitable for frontal single molars;
• Bridges are an excellent solution when several teeth are missing in a row;
• dentures on implants - this design will last a lifetime, but it also costs accordingly.

Based on the results of this article, we can conclude that an orthopedic dentist treats all types of tooth loss, including complete absence. Today, insufficient dentition is not a problem, because to solve it you just need to go to one of the many clinics where qualified prosthetists work.

When visiting dental clinic You can see various signs with the names of doctors on the doors of the office. Many patients cannot understand how one specialist differs from another. Especially many questions arise when making an appointment with a dentist or dentist. What is the difference between a dentist and a dentist and what functions does each of them perform? The answer to the question will be given in the article.

Who is a dentist

The phrase first appeared in 1710. Until this time, teeth had not been treated; they fell out and destroyed on their own. Some patients died from excruciating toothaches. IN best case scenario the diseased element was simply pulled out of the oral cavity.

Dentistry in Russia began to develop during the time of Peter 1. He opened the first dental schools, but only 10 years later a decree was issued allowing treatment of the oral cavity after receiving medical education. Gradually, dental services have become more in demand. In addition, people experienced more dental problems due to the switch to soft foods.

A few centuries ago, people needed doctors of various profiles, but in terminology the word “dentist” was more often used. Today, this concept has been replaced by the term “dentist”.

To become a dentist, you must complete 3 years of training and receive a diploma of the appropriate level of qualification. A dentist is not entitled to solve certain dental problems:

• pulpitis;
• malocclusion;
• prosthetics;
• anesthesia.

In small villages, a dentist can also perform the above tasks if there is no specialist in the required profile.
Abroad, a dentist is called a dentist. He receives a diploma after completing secondary education.

What does a dentist with secondary education do? He deals with simple manipulations, which include:

• examination of the patient's oral cavity;
• establishing the cause of the violation;
• treatment of gum pathologies;
• filling minor areas of damaged enamel;
• consultation on performing hygiene procedures;
• recommendations for selection suitable means for personal oral hygiene.
• issuing a referral to specialized specialists if serious dental problems are detected.

The list of responsibilities of a dentist is quite extensive. Due to this, the specialist is a highly sought-after doctor in clinics.

Categories of dentists

After a certain period of time, the doctor can improve his qualifications. The category largely depends on the doctor’s work experience and his passing additional courses training. There are 3 categories in total that a dentist can receive:

1. Second. Awarded to people whose work experience is more than 3 years after certification. To obtain a category, a doctor must be savvy in both theoretical and practical skills.
2. First. Given to dentists who have worked in their specialty for more than 7 years. In this case, he needs to study related disciplines related to prosthetics, dental work, etc.
3. Higher. Issued to doctors whose work experience exceeds 10 years. Doctors of this level of training have advanced theoretical and practical knowledge and skills.

Not only the doctor’s knowledge, but also his wage. Some dentists only treat children. They can eliminate small cavities caused by a child's excessive consumption of sweets or poor oral hygiene.

In some cases, the dentist is unable to provide assistance. little patient. This is due to several factors:

• A child's jaw is different in structure and structure from an adult's.
• The dentist does not have special equipment and devices for treating pulpitis or complicated caries.
• Lack of drugs necessary for therapy.
• Inability to find an approach to the child.

If one of the listed problems is present, the child is referred for treatment to a pediatric dentist. In most cases, a dentist can also cope with simple caries in a baby. The dentist also conducts preventive examinations of children 2 times a year.

Uncomplicated caries in a child

Dentist profession

The dentist has more authority regarding the medical procedures. Specialty training lasts 6 years, during which doctors master several important disciplines. Upon completion of training, the specialist is asked to choose one of the areas: therapist, surgeon, orthodontist, orthopedist or hygienist.

Comprehensive training is necessary in order to know the structure human body and be able to establish the relationship of one organ with another. The doctor also has to master the basics of psychology, since some patients come to the office in a depressed state, which aggravates the therapy.

Each category in dentistry should be considered in more detail.

Therapist

The doctor treats the diseased tooth and installs a filling. The dentist also copes with these responsibilities. Both specialists can also examine the patient’s oral cavity and diagnose the disease. The difference between a dentist and a dentist is that a dentist solves minor problems (gum inflammation, mild caries). All the therapist’s work is aimed at combating advanced caries and its consequences (pulpitis, periodontitis, dental cysts, etc.). Let’s take a closer look at each of the diseases that the dentist deals with.

In the photo, pulpitis is one of the complications of caries that requires dental care.

Caries is caused by the gradual destruction of the enamel elements. At untimely treatment pathological process spreads to dentin and pulp. The problem arises under the influence of negative external factors: taking certain types of medications, consuming carbohydrate-containing foods, lack of proper oral care.

One of the complications of caries is pulpitis, in which the pathological process involves nerve endings tooth The main symptom of the disorder is acute severe pain, which are difficult to stop even with potent drugs. Pulpitis requires immediate treatment at the dentist-therapist.

Periodontitis develops as a result bacterial infection jaw bones. The condition can cause complete or partial edentia (loss of teeth).

Another problem that the dentist deals with is periostitis (flux). The disease is accompanied by severe swelling of the soft tissues of the mouth and intense pain.

The competence of the general practitioner also includes solving non-carious problems:

• demineralization of enamel;
• fluorosis;
• wedge-shaped defects;
• enamel abrasion;
• necrosis of bone tissue.
• increased sensitivity of teeth;
• diseases of the mucous membranes of the mouth (stomatitis, periodontitis, gingivitis).

There is no difference between a dentist and a dental therapist. Both specialists deal with general problems and provide referrals to specialist doctors if necessary.

Some private clinics provide services to restore the aesthetics of a smile. They include enamel whitening, elimination unpleasant odor from the mouth, restoration of teeth with reflective composites. Everyone listed species services are provided by dental therapists.

Orthodontist

The main task of the doctor is to perform prosthetics. The doctor restores the chewing function of the jaw in the absence of one or more elements in the oral cavity. In addition, with the help of orthodontic structures, the aesthetics of a smile is restored, thanks to which a person ceases to be embarrassed by others.

Another name for an orthodontist is a prosthetist. First, all patients see a therapist, who issues a referral to an orthodontist.

The differences between the specialist in question and the dentist are obvious: the first is engaged in restoring the shape and aesthetics of the tooth, the second is in treatment.

Today, orthodontists are in increasing demand. They can offer patients modern prosthetic options to solve various problems bite Orthodontic structures differ in purpose, cost and installation time. In each specific case best option The doctor selects it for the patient.

Surgeon

If tooth enamel or the pulp of the element is severely destroyed, then the only way out- removal of a tooth. What kind of doctor removes teeth? This function is performed by a dental surgeon. The doctor is also involved in other activities:

• performs maxillofacial surgeries;
• prepares the oral cavity for implant installation;
• corrects dental anomalies;
• gives advice on correcting malocclusions.

The surgeon performs a list of rather complex tasks that a dentist-therapist cannot cope with. After extraction of the problematic unit, the surgeon gives advice on care oral cavity to minimize complications and speedy regeneration wound

Orthopedist

What does an orthopedic doctor treat? The specialist is engaged in the restoration and correction of defects of the entire musculoskeletal system. He, like an orthodontist, can save a unit whose coronal part is destroyed but the root is intact. The differences between the specialists in the profile under consideration are that an orthodontist deals only with dental problems, while an orthopedist solves a wider range of problems related to joint damage, etc. Orthopedics also provides for dental implantation and prosthetics if there are problems with bite.

Orthopedic structures to normalize the bite

Pediatric dentist

The structure of the jaw in babies has some differences, so eliminating dental diseases Children are treated by separate specialists. The doctor knows what filling materials and anesthetic agents can be offered to young patients.

The opinion that children do not need to have their baby teeth treated is wrong. Carious processes can spread to the pulp, nerve endings of the element, as well as periodontal tissue, which in the future will create problems during the formation permanent dentition. To treat children, the doctor will have to use not only other drugs, but also instruments. Besides, pediatric dentist must have the skills of a psychologist to prepare the patient for the upcoming manipulations.

Hygienist

This profession is considered relatively new in dentistry. The main goal of the specialist is to properly care for the patient’s teeth and teach the patient hygiene skills. The list of services provided by the doctor includes:

• diagnosis of oral diseases;
• professional enamel cleaning;
• prevention of caries;
• medical examinations in various institutions (kindergartens, workplaces, schools).

Rubric “Question and answer”

Who is a dentist?

The concept was used in the 20th century and is now considered obsolete. Previously, the term was used to describe dentists who did not have a special higher education. IN foreign countries A dentist is a dentist who has received secondary education in his specialty. This term can be used to describe a dental laboratory specialist, a dentist, or a paramedic.

Can a dentist perform the duties of a dentist?

The answer to the question will be negative, since the dentist does not have the necessary skills and knowledge to carry out the procedures that are the responsibility of a dental therapist.

Can a dentist remove teeth and treat caries?

Maybe, if the process is not complicated by other diseases or periodontal pathologies.