Practice abstract
British Dental Journal 198, 407 - 411 (2005)
Published online: 9 April 2005 | doi:10.1038/sj.bdj.4812188
Teamwork in orthodontics: Limiting the risks of root resorption
F Luther1, S Dominguez-Gonzalez2 & S A Fayle3
- Demonstrates the need for communication and teamwork not only between orthodontist and patient but between orthodontist, patient and general dental practitioner.
- Demonstrates that teamwork is not only required pre-treatment but also during treatment and possibly long-term.
- Demonstrates the need for the general dental practitioner to be aware of the risks of orthodontic treatment in order to discuss and manage patients better prior to and after orthodontic referral.
Abstract
Orthodontic treatment is not without risk. The risks may be due to patient factors (which may not always be evident before treatment) or may come about because of the treatment itself. While the common types of risk are well documented, less information is available as to how some of the more unusual problems can best be managed when they arise; often the need for teamwork between the patient, orthodontist and general dental practitioner (GDP) are underestimated. This paper presents three patients in whom various root-related problems existed either before orthodontic treatment or which arose during orthodontic treatment; demonstrates how they were managed; and highlights the need for teamwork to ensure a 'least harmful' outcome. All patients were followed up for over a year.
- Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant in Orthodontics, Department of Orthodontics, Leeds Dental Institute.
- FTTA in Orthodontics, Leeds Dental Institute.
- Consultant in Paediatric Dentistry, Leeds Dental Institute.
Correspondence to: F Luther1
Leeds Dental Institute, University of Leeds, Clarendon Way, Leeds, LS2 9LU
e-mail: ja.gm@btinternet.com
