ABPD Pediatric Dentistry flashcards

32 cards. Read the term and the definition here. The deck at the top of this page is optional.

Eruption age of first primary tooth

Mandibular central incisor typically erupts around 6 months of age; the full primary dentition of 20 teeth is usually complete by about 30 months.

Primary dentition quadrant formula

Each primary quadrant contains 2 incisors, 1 canine, and 2 molars (2-1-2), totaling 5 teeth per quadrant and 20 primary teeth overall.

Permanent first molar eruption

The permanent first molar erupts at approximately 6 years of age, marking the start of the mixed dentition and often erupting behind the primary second molar.

Mixed dentition period

The mixed dentition spans roughly ages 6 to 12 years, during which primary teeth are exfoliated and replaced by permanent teeth.

Fluoride varnish concentration

5% sodium fluoride varnish contains 22,600 ppm fluoride and is applied 2-4 times yearly based on caries risk assessment.

Stainless steel crown indication

SSCs are indicated for multi-surface caries, hypoplastic primary molars, and teeth requiring pulpotomy where a durable full-coverage restoration is needed.

Ferric sulfate pulpotomy

Ferric sulfate is a non-formaldehyde hemostatic agent used in primary molar pulpotomy, applied to radicular pulp to control bleeding before placement of a base.

Formocresol dilution

Formocresol is typically used at a 1:5 dilution in primary molar pulpotomy; concerns about formaldehyde exposure have driven use of alternatives.

Band-and-loop space maintainer

A band-and-loop maintains space after unilateral loss of a primary molar, with a band on the abutment tooth and a loop spanning the edentulous space.

Nance appliance

A Nance appliance uses bands on maxillary molars with an anterior acrylic button on the palate to maintain arch length after bilateral maxillary primary tooth loss.

Lingual arch space maintainer

A lingual arch is a bilateral mandibular space maintainer banded to first permanent molars, contacting lingual surfaces of incisors to preserve arch length.

Eruption hematoma

An eruption hematoma is a bluish, dome-shaped swelling over an erupting tooth caused by follicular fluid; observation suffices unless infection develops.

Early childhood caries definition

ECC is any caries in a child under 6 years; maxillary primary incisors are affected first due to prolonged bottle or breastfeeding exposure.

Frankl scale categories

The Frankl scale rates behavior from 1 (definitely negative) to 4 (definitely positive); ratings 3 and 4 reflect cooperative, treatment-accepting behavior.

Tell-show-do technique

Tell-show-do explains a procedure in child-friendly terms, demonstrates it on a model or finger, and then performs it to reduce anxiety.

Positive reinforcement

Positive reinforcement uses specific praise and rewards contingent on cooperative behavior to increase the likelihood of that behavior recurring.

Distraction technique

Distraction redirects a child's attention away from an anxiety-provoking procedure using toys, videos, or conversation to reduce distress.

Voice control technique

Voice control modulates tone, volume, and pace to gain a child's attention and establish authority without physical intervention.

Parental presence decision

Parental presence or absence during treatment is decided case-by-case based on the child's needs and behavior, not as a universal rule.

Nitrous oxide concentration

Nitrous oxide/oxygen sedation typically uses 30-50% N2O; concentrations are titrated to effect and reversed with 100% oxygen at the end.

Nitrous oxide contraindication

Nitrous oxide is contraindicated in upper respiratory obstruction, some pulmonary conditions, and situations where the child cannot tolerate a nasal hood.

Physical restraint documentation

Physical restraint requires documented informed consent and must be the least restrictive option; it is not a substitute for sedation when sedation is indicated.

Desensitization technique

Desensitization gradually introduces a child to dental stimuli in small steps, building tolerance over short, structured appointments, especially for children with special health care needs.

Informed consent elements

Informed consent for behavior management documents the technique, its rationale, risks, benefits, and alternatives, and confirms the guardian's agreement.

Pulpotomy definition

A pulpotomy removes the coronal pulp and preserves the radicular pulp, indicated for primary molars with reversible pulpitis and no radicular pathology.

Space maintainer purpose

A space maintainer preserves arch length and prevents adjacent teeth from drifting after premature loss of a primary tooth until the permanent successor erupts.

Caries risk assessment

Caries risk assessment evaluates factors such as diet, fluoride exposure, oral hygiene, and past caries to guide recall intervals and preventive treatment.

Fluoride varnish application

Fluoride varnish is applied to dried tooth surfaces and left in place; the child should avoid eating hard foods and brushing for several hours afterward.

Interceptive orthodontics

Interceptive orthodontics addresses developing malocclusions early, such as crossbites or crowding, to guide eruption and reduce later treatment complexity.

Hall technique crown

The Hall technique seats a preformed stainless steel crown over a primary molar without caries removal or local anesthesia, sealing the carious lesion.

Behavior shaping technique

Behavior shaping reinforces successive approximations toward cooperative behavior, gradually building tolerance for increasingly involved dental procedures.

Modeling technique

Modeling allows a child to observe a cooperative peer or video receiving dental care, which can reduce anxiety and improve cooperation.