Eruption of Primary Teeth, Exfoliation and Charting

Examples of dental emergencies

re-implanting of an avulsed tooth (accidentally knocked out of the socket), repair of a broken or chipped tooth, pulp treatment or extraction of an abscessed or severely decayed tooth, or a toothache of unknown origin.

What is not uncommon in a pediatric practice?

seeing minor surgical procedures on your schedule

What is the best way to put a child's fear at ease?

A "tell, show, do" approach

"tell, show, do" approach

First, tell them using words they understand, what you will be doing. Next, if possible, show or demonstrate in a way that is non-threatening, what will happen. Finally, do what you have just described and shown them. The fear of the unknown is magically eliminated!

What can be recommend?

Pit and fissure sealants may be recommended for posterior teeth that are fully erupted

What will be used to help keep your patients mouth open and maintain a dry field?

Rubber dams and bite blocks

In some cases:

Simple restraint techniques may be employed, And a hospital appointment is necessary if there are multiple restorations needed

What is an appropriate discussion during this visit?

The issue of systemic fluoride and the child's diet

What kind of experience should be provided?

a positive experience for the young patient and alleviate any anxiety the child may have

While giving a sedative won't always be indicated, what could it prevent?

a potential injury to the child during a procedure and can ensure a smooth appointment with the best possible outcome to the patient; reducing stress to the dentist and staff.

When should the early dental exam take place?

between two to three years of age; once all 20 primary teeth have erupted unless obvious needs arise earlier

How can your entire day's schedule be thrown off ?

by unplanned patient dental emergencies. Due to the nature of dental emergencies, time will be blocked out in the schedule to allow for unanticipated care.

What does the dentist do ?

check the teeth for obvious caries, "count" the teeth, note any bad oral habits such as thumb or finger sucking, and review home care with the parents

Why is there variations in treatment ?

due to the structure of primary dentition and the fact the teeth will be exfoliated

When are the patients fears determined?

during the very first dental appointment

What is the recommended method for the control of caries and the prevention of dental problems?

early dental exam

In some cases the decay may not

have infected the pulp; therefore, another pulp treatment called a pulpotomy can be performed

In a pediatric office, the fundamental practice of dentistry is the same as ?

in a general practice

A stainless steel crown

is a restorative procedure done on young patients in a pediatric practice.

Your role as the dental assistant

is to help keep your young patient happy and calm during this short visit

Most often, teeth with stainless steel crown coverage are ?

non-vital (the vital tissues or "pulp" completely removed) in a procedure called a pulpectomy.

As the dental assistant in the pediatric practice you must also:

spend a significant amount of time assisting on restorative procedures in the pediatric office. One such restorative procedure is a direct composite or amalgam filling. These filling materials replace decayed or broken tooth structure. These fillings require local anesthetic so the child does not feel anything during the preparation phase of the procedure.

What can the dentist do to alleviate negative reactions and hyperactivity?

the dentist may prescribe sedative medication for restorative appointments

Who is the average pediatric patient referred by ?

the family general practitioner or the child's pediatrician at a very early age

A pulpotomy

the partial removal of the "pulp" or vital tissues. Medication will be placed to devitalize the pulp and disinfect to prevent an abscess.

Why are special techniques used during the pediatric practice to unsure a smooth procedure ?

these are very young patients with short attention spans who are not mature enough to control their emotions, lay still for long periods of time, or hold their mouths open.

Why are crowns performed and used ?

to rebuild and protect teeth that were severely decayed or damaged

If you are a registered dental assistant

you may complete the prophylaxis with a coronal polish

As the dental assistant in the pediatric practice

you must always be completely prepared for each procedure, ready to anticipate the dentist's needs, and keep one eye on your young patient while assisting the dentist.