General medicine and surgery for dental practitioners. Part 8: Musculoskeletal system

Orthodontics in patients with significant medical co-morbidities

A wide variety of patients with medical co-morbidities may present to general orthodontic practice. It is important for the treating clinician to have a general understanding of key medical conditions that may impact upon the treatment and management options. This clinical supplement provides a treatment-focused summative update for the orthodontist regarding significant medical co-morbidities, their general prevalence and an exploration of potential impacts upon orthodontic treatment. This review also discusses the significance of key medications and provides suggestions for the safe provision of orthodontic treatment.

Diagnosis and treatment planning are essential prior to commencing endodontic treatment: discuss this statement as it relates to clinical endodontic management

Diagnosis and treatment planning are essential to the practice of endodontics. Diagnosis aims to determine whether pathological involvement of the dental pulp has or is occurring. Treatment planning meanwhile, involves appropriately selecting cases, determining how difficult the treatment may be to perform on a specific individual and sequencing treatment procedures to achieve a healthy and functional dentition. In endodontic management, this may involve establishing whether the tooth is restorable and periodontally sound, the patient is able to tolerate the treatments and the clinician has the skills to perform the required treatment procedures. Careful consideration of these issues must be given prior to commencing treatment.