IMPROVEMENT OF ORTHOPEDIC CARE FOR MILITARY PERSONAL DURING WARTIME

Abstract

In the current situation of Russian military aggression against Ukraine, the dental health of military personnel is a key concern. Poor dental health impacts the overall well-being of the military, which in turn affects combat tasks and quality of life. Various studies show that 90% of military personnel require dental care. The aim of our study was to analyze reasons for military personnel to seek orthopedic dental care and to carefully select construction materials for dental prostheses, taking into account clinical presentation and accompanying diseases. We conducted an examination of 92 military personnel receiving treatment in a hospital and on rotation in the Poltava region from April 2022 to January 2023. Out of this group, 52 people sought orthopedic help for the first time, while 40 people had previously undergone prosthetic treatment with fixed dental appliences that were removed due to non-compliance with clinical requirements. Chronic periodontal and oral mucosal diseases were diagnosed in 84 participants, and teeth were extracted for 37 individuals due to complications of periodontitis and periodontitis. To address these issues, we selected thermoplastic material Acron, manufactured by Roko (Poland), as the ideal material for partial removable prostheses. This material is biologically inert to the tissues of the prosthetic bed and enabled us to produce high-quality removable prostheses in two clinical visits, which is relevant for military personnel who are on rotation and receiving treatment in the hospital. In conclusion, our study provides insight into the reasons for seeking orthopedic dental care among military personnel and highlights the importance of careful selection of construction materials for dental prostheses to prevent complications and enable effective treatment in a short time.