Iran Dental Specialty Board - Pediatric Dentistry key terms

A method that reads shape changes in the cervical vertebrae on a lateral cephalogram to estimate a child's skeletal maturity and remaining mandibular growth, guiding the timing of growth-modifying orthodontic treatment.

The period of fastest mandibular growth during puberty, typically near CVM stage 3, when functional appliances and orthopedic devices are most effective at altering jaw position.

The progressive interdigitation and closure of the suture between the maxillary halves with age; its stage predicts whether rapid maxillary expansion can be achieved skeletally or requires surgically assisted assistance.

A rare autosomal recessive condition caused by FAM20A mutations, combining generalized enamel hypoplasia with nephrocalcinosis; dental findings often appear before renal disease is recognized, so referral is essential.

A group of inherited defects of enamel formation affecting most or all teeth, classified as hypoplastic, hypomaturation, or hypocalcified types, with genetic patterns including autosomal dominant, recessive, and X-linked.

An inherited disorder of dentin formation, often associated with osteogenesis imperfecta, producing opalescent discolored teeth with bulbous crowns, obliterated pulp chambers, and fragile roots prone to fracture.

A localized developmental anomaly in which one quadrant's teeth show thin, poorly mineralized enamel and dentin with enlarged pulps, giving a ghost-like radiographic appearance; affected teeth often fail to erupt.

A developmental defect of systemic origin affecting one or more first permanent molars, often with permanent incisors, showing demarcated enamel opacities that may break down rapidly and cause hypersensitivity.

Demarcated enamel opacities of the second primary molars that mirror molar incisor hypomineralization and predict similar defects in the permanent successors, warranting early preventive and restorative planning.

A topical solution of silver and fluoride that arrests active dentinal caries and reduces sensitivity; it blackens arrested lesions, so case selection and parental consent about esthetics are essential.

A minimally invasive technique that removes soft carious tissue with hand instruments and seals the cavity with adhesive glass ionomer, useful where drills, electricity, or advanced behavior guidance are unavailable.

Placement of a preformed metal crown over a primary molar with untreated caries, sealing the lesion without local anesthesia or tooth preparation; success depends on case selection and managing the bite change.

A prefabricated stainless steel or zirconia crown adapted to a primary or young permanent molar, providing durable full-coverage restoration for extensive caries or after pulpotomy.

A structured evaluation combining disease indicators, protective factors, diet, fluoride exposure, saliva, and medical history to predict future caries and set recall intervals and prevention intensity.

The dynamic relationship between pathologic factors such as fermentable carbohydrate and cariogenic bacteria and protective factors such as saliva, fluoride, and remineralization, determining whether a lesion progresses or arrests.

An early non-cavitated enamel demineralization appearing chalky and opaque, still amenable to remineralization through fluoride, plaque control, and dietary change rather than restoration.

A high-concentration topical fluoride lacquer applied to tooth surfaces to enhance remineralization and reduce caries; recommended at least twice yearly for children at elevated caries risk.

Removal of the coronal pulp while preserving vital radicular pulp, indicated for primary or immature permanent teeth with reversible pulpitis and no radicular involvement; success depends on hemostasis and a sealed restoration.

Complete removal of coronal and radicular pulp followed by canal filling, used in primary teeth with irreversible pulpitis or necrosis and in immature permanent teeth when revascularization is not feasible.

A biologically based treatment for necrotic immature permanent teeth that disinfects the canal and evokes a blood clot to allow continued root development, often producing root lengthening and apical closure.

An incompletely formed root end with divergent canal walls in an immature tooth; it complicates obturation and favors regenerative or apexification approaches over conventional filling.

Induction of a calcified apical barrier in a necrotic immature permanent tooth using calcium hydroxide or tricalcium silicate cement, allowing obturation despite an open apex.

Traumatic displacement of a tooth within its socket without complete avulsion, including concussion, subluxation, extrusion, and lateral luxation, each with distinct repositioning and splinting needs.

Complete displacement of a tooth out of its socket; management depends on extraoral dry time, storage medium, and root maturity, with replantation and flexible splinting preferred when conditions allow.

Application of a flexible splint to stabilize repositioned or replanted teeth during healing; duration and rigidity vary with injury type, and prolonged rigid splinting risks ankylosis.

Apical displacement of a tooth into the alveolar bone after trauma; management in primary teeth prioritizes protecting the permanent germ, while permanent teeth may require orthodontic or surgical repositioning.

A behavior guidance technique in which the clinician explains a procedure in child-friendly terms, demonstrates it, then performs it, reducing anxiety through predictability and familiarity.

The continuum of non-pharmacologic and pharmacologic methods used to build a child's coping skills and gain cooperation during dental care while respecting the child's developmental stage and rights.

Modulation of tone, pace, and volume of speech to gain a child's attention and reinforce appropriate behavior, used as a guiding technique rather than a punitive measure.

A removable or fixed device that repositions the mandible to modify neuromuscular function and skeletal growth, commonly used in growing children with Class II malocclusion.

Orthopedic widening of the maxilla using a fixed appliance that separates the midpalatal suture, indicated for transverse deficiency and sometimes to relieve nasal obstruction in growing children.

Use of a fixed or removable appliance to preserve arch length after premature primary tooth loss, preventing drift and impaction of permanent successors.

Eruption of a permanent tooth in an abnormal position, most often the maxillary first molar resorbing the second primary molar, requiring interception to prevent space loss.

Early exfoliation or extraction of a primary tooth before its successor is ready to erupt, risking space loss, midline shift, and impaction if not managed with space maintenance.

A congenital failure of fusion of facial processes producing defects of the lip and palate; dental management includes feeding support, presurgical orthopedics, and long-term multidisciplinary care.

Children with physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional conditions requiring adapted dental care, including modified positioning, sedation planning, and coordination with medical providers.

Administration of nitrous oxide and oxygen to reduce anxiety and raise the pain threshold during dental care; effective for mild anxiety but not for deep sedation or airway-compromised children.

A drug-induced depression of consciousness during which the child responds purposefully to verbal or light tactile stimulation and maintains airway control, requiring appropriate monitoring and fasting.

The weight-based upper limit of local anesthetic that may be administered, calculated from concentration and the child's body weight to avoid systemic toxicity.