Pediatric Dentistry Fundamentals

The actual number of years and months a child has lived.

Refers to the child's mental abilities and how developed their thinking skills are.

This stage of development focuses on the child's growing trust in their caregivers, leading to a sense of security.

Children at this stage are developing their independence and desire to make their own choices.

This period of development is characterized by the child's exploration of their world through play, leading to imagination and creativity.

A child's ability to understand and cooperate with dental treatment is limited at this stage.

The unique setting of a pediatric dental practice incorporates play areas and colorful decorations to make children feel comfortable.

Using language that a child can easily understand to explain dental procedures.

Simple, familiar words used to explain dental procedures to children.

Explaining the dental procedure to the child before doing it.

Showing the child what is going to happen during the procedure.

Performing the procedure exactly as explained and shown to the child.

The 'Tell-Show-Do' method for explaining dental procedures to children.

Giving positive reinforcement for good behavior.

Giving the child choices and control during the procedure.

Helping children cope with dental procedures by explaining them in a way they understand.

A dental procedure where a tooth that has been completely knocked out of its socket is reinserted and stabilized.

A procedure where the pulp of a tooth is removed and the tooth is sealed to prevent infection and decay.

Surgical instruments used to remove tissue from the socket of an avulsed tooth.

A dental emergency where a tooth is completely knocked out of its socket.

A procedure where a tooth is secured to its neighboring teeth to provide stability and support.

A condition characterized by paralysis, muscle weakness, lack of coordination, and other motor function disorders.

Increased muscle tension, causing exaggerated stretch reflex, a common type of Cerebral Palsy.

Uncontrolled, involuntary, and poorly coordinated body movements, often with facial grimacing and drooling, another type of Cerebral Palsy.

Individuals with IQs below 20 to 25, requiring constant aid and supervision.

A chromosomal disorder that commonly results in certain physical characteristics and mental impairment, ranging from mild to moderate.

A highly structured environment with constant aid and supervision is necessary for individuals with profound intellectual disability.

Individuals with profound intellectual disability require specialized dental care due to their limited capacity for self-care.

Premedication may be used to help control and relax patients with Cerebral Palsy before dental procedures.

General anesthesia may be used for patients with Cerebral Palsy when routine dental care is not possible with premedication.

Patience, understanding, and flexibility are crucial for dental teams working with patients with Cerebral Palsy.

A developmental disorder characterized by challenges in social interaction, communication (both verbal and nonverbal), and repetitive behaviors, typically evident before age 3.

Strategies used to manage challenging behavior in children, including techniques like positive reinforcement, behavior modification, and desensitization.

A first dental visit aimed at familiarizing the child with the dental office environment, the staff, and basic dental procedures.

Regular dental checkups that are scheduled after the initial dental visit to maintain oral health and prevent dental problems.

Informed permission given by a parent or legal guardian for a child under 18 to receive dental treatment.

The process of gathering information about a child's overall health history, including past illnesses, current medications, and known allergies.

The process of collecting information about a child's dental history, including previous dental treatments, any dental problems, and current oral hygiene practices.

The process of establishing a positive and trusting relationship with both the child and the parent during a dental visit, creating a more comfortable experience.

Used to determine the appropriate size of a dental film based on the child's mouth and comfort level.

A technique for placing bitewing radiographic films, particularly useful for children with smaller mouths, by bending the corners of the film for easier positioning.

The age at which a child should begin regular dental checkups, which is generally recommended to be at age 2.

The process of arranging for a child to return for follow-up dental appointments after their initial visit.