Our teeth are complex organs consisting of at least three distinct tissue types. Each layer, the enamel, dentin, and pulp, can develop problems. These problems make taking care of the whole tooth an involved process. Past this, there are multiple other tissues that can be found in the mouth. Take into consideration the gum lines, the jawbones, the tongue, the membranes in the cheeks, and your lips. Altogether, they form a diverse system with parts that can each develop their health concerns. These elements make interdisciplinary dentistry a vital aspect of comprehensive care in dental cases.

What Are The Fundaments In Interdisciplinary Orthodontics?

Any singular dental concern can be cared for using different approaches. The difference in approaches to problem-solving is a staple of dental care. However, the appropriate and most effective treatment is heavily dependent on the case’s specifics. Everything from the dentist’s comfort with his tools, the underlying concern, and the patient’s health can impact the approach taken. Even straightforward dental problems, such as cavities, can benefit from multiple approaches. It could be a small cavity that can benefit from an inlay or onlay, or the cavity may need a crown. Things have gone so far that only extraction and bridge will do. The patient may be thinking long-term and want to replace that tooth with an implant.

Multidisciplinary dentistry approaches these questions by considering the benefits of multiple dental disciplines working separately and together. These additional perspectives create a unique and personalized approach to that patient’s oral health concerns. An example can be seen in dental implants. Implants are very effective for replacing an extracted tooth. However, they can also irritate the gum tissue. By applying treatments from other disciplines, your dentist may find another solution or the irritation in the gum tissue addressed.

Integrating orthodontics, endodontics, and various other disciplines requires answering many questions before beginning. The following are the concerns that must be addressed when selecting a multidisciplinary approach:

• What outcome does the patient want? How do we incorporate this goal into the selected treatment, and how will it affect the outcomes? Answering these questions ensures the patient’s desired goal is reached and that the procedures are safe and effective.
• What are the biological factors in their condition? Any existing health conditions must be considered, including diseases, tooth decay, etc. Understanding how these will affect the outcome aids in selecting the right approach.
• How would I approach this if it were me? – There are various elements of treatment and diagnosis that can help identify the right clinical approach. The dental discipline, preference, and dentist’s judgment are crucial.

How Multidisciplinary Care Improves Dentistry

Multidisciplinary care aims to guarantee that the patient receives the most effective care for their dental health concerns. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach come together to produce results that may not be found using a single discipline. Contact your dental provider to determine their approaches and see how you can incorporate multidisciplinary dentistry into your treatment plan.