The Oral Care Centre believes that comprehensive dental care comes from collaboration across multiple specialties. Here are some examples of how our multidisciplinary approach has helped patients overcome complex dental challenges, demonstrating the expertise and care we bring to every case.
Case #1: Paediatric Dentistry + Oral Surgery + Orthodontics
Overview
Anthony, an active 13-year-old with the mental age of a 3-year-old and a partially repaired heart condition, faced significant dental challenges. His upper front teeth protruded prominently, and his lower teeth were crowded, making it difficult for his mother to maintain his oral hygiene. She also believes the appearance of his teeth drew more attention to his disability. Anthony himself also does not like his teeth and often tries to press them inwards himself.
Concerns
- Prominent upper incisors at risk of trauma if Anthony fell (as noted by his paediatric dentist).
- Difficulty maintaining oral hygiene due to crowded teeth
- Resistance to treatment due to developmental and behavioral factors.
Management Plan
A multidisciplinary team consisting of the paediatric dentist, orthodontist, oral maxillofacial surgeon, Anthony himself, and his mother collaborated on a treatment plan. We started with a simple removable brace for a few months to build trust and motivation. Once Anthony has learnt to accept and identify with “his” braces, he proceeded onto full fixed braces. The management also included the extraction of 4 adult teeth.
It was also agreed that Anthony should be treated with ideal dental goals of a normal child, and if needs be, these goals would be adjusted down to suit Anthony’s motivation and tolerance.
Outcome
In the beginning, Anthony refused to even sit on the dental chair, cried and yanked the removable brace out of his mouth. Gradually, Anthony learnt to trust his “uncles and aunts” and could sit still with his mouth open for up to half an hour. Eventually, he managed to cope with extractions under local anaesthesia and 2 years of full fixed braces.
The only compromise to the original dental plan was to allow the front teeth to still show a little rather then put him through an extra year of wearing braces. Retainers were bonded and these are regularly reviewed by his paediatric dentist.
Case #2: Periodontics + Orthodontics + Prosthodontics
Overview
Janice had lost many back teeth to gum disease, leading to a collapsed bite and excessive strain on her front teeth. This caused gaps, functional challenges, and aesthetic concerns. She sought help from our multidisciplinary team to address these issues.
Concerns
- A collapsed bite with overloaded and splayed front teeth.
- Poor aesthetics and difficulty eating.
- Advanced gum disease complicating treatment options.
Management Plan
The team, consisting of a periodontist, orthodontist, and prosthodontist, developed a comprehensive plan. Short-term goals included re-establishing her bite, stabilising mobile teeth with splints, and improving aesthetics. Long-term plans involved transitioning from extractions to prosthetic replacements with minimal downtime, loss of function, and loss of aesthetics should gum disease progress..
Outcome
After removing 3 very mobile teeth and over 2 years of orthodontics, the re-grouped teeth were splinted together with fixed retainers by her periodontist.
Denture-retainers were made to temporarily replace the missing teeth and stabilise the rest.
The original plan to replace the missing and mobile teeth with an implant drawn up by the prosthodontist was held off temporarily as Janice was very happy with the outcome as is and preferred to hold on to her natural teeth for as long as possible.
Case #3: Endodontics + Orthodontics + Prosthodontics
Overview
Bernard, a National Serviceman, suffered a traumatic fall during training, fracturing two front teeth and losing another entirely. His injuries included lacerations and bruising to his lips and chin, requiring urgent care. He was seen at a Hospital Accident & Emergency Department where his facial wounds were attended to and the bleeding controlled.
Concerns
- One tooth was completely lost.
- Two were broken. In one tooth, the nerve was exposed and the fractured site extended into the gum; the other one was slightly chipped but knocked out of position.
- Facial injuries complicated the immediate dental treatment.
Management Plan
The team addressed Bernard’s injuries in stages. A root canal was performed on the severely broken tooth to alleviate pain, while the chipped tooth was restored with composite resin. Braces corrected misalignment, and a removable denture temporarily replaced the missing tooth. The long-term plan involves an implant after the adjacent teeth have fully healed.
Outcome
Bernard’s pain was relieved, and his functionality and appearance were restored. The removable denture provided a practical interim solution, allowing him to complete his National Service. His treatment plan ensures a smooth transition to permanent restoration with an implant in the future.
Partnering with You for Better Dental Health
At The Oral Care Centre, our multidisciplinary approach ensures that no aspect of your dental health is overlooked. We deliver comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs by combining expertise across specialties. Explore how we can partner with you to achieve optimal oral health through our personalised and collaborative treatment plans.
To learn more about our multidisciplinary approach and how it can benefit you, you may read this article or contact us to book an appointment.
