Sometimes it’s a matter of fun, and at other times, a matter of concern, when it comes to the first dental appointment for the young kids.
First visit protocols are simple and designed to connect with the right age frames.
In general, these visits are intended to have complete check up, evaluate the number of teeth present, number of teeth that have fallen out and assess the status of new permanent teeth that are coming through.
At this visit, the focus is on the health of teeth and gums, oral hygiene practices at home, dietary guidance, and guidance of parental assistance in child’s brushing routine.
After the clinical check is completed, its ideal to do radiographs. The protocol to do Xrays is as follows:
1. Diagnostic X-rays close to the age of 6 years when the first molars start to come in.
2. Diagnostic X-rays at an earlier age in case of any clinically obvious dental caries.
3. Diagnostic X-rays if the last X-rays had been last done over the gap of 18 to 24 months.
4. Panaromic Xray approximately at the age of 6 years/ 7 years/ 8 years, based on the growth and eruption pattern. This helps to know the status of permanent teeth in the jaw.
Once complete diagnosis of the clinical status is established, treatment needs are detailed to the parents. At times, a question may arise as per to the actual requirement of the treatment for primary teeth as they are meant to fall out.
This is where following gets discussed:
1. Eruption status of primary teeth based on the age of the child.
2. Duration of time the affected primary teeth are going to stay in the mouth.
3. Extent of decay.
4. Possibilities of treatment ranging from fillings to root canal treatments, based on clinical status.
5. Laser and normal approach options are explained for the treatment.
6. Laughing gas needs based on the coping ability and extent of treatment is advised and detailed.
7. Literature, google links for all of the above is then given for further reading and assurance of treatment.
Treatment details are then explained to the child ( in child friendly manner) and the needed equipment is shown and explained, as part of preparation and reassurance for next visit.
Unless an emergency, treatments are generally started in the next visit so that both parents and child are well informed and ready for the treatment and no decisions have been rushed.
Preventive procedure of cleaning and Flouride application is the preferred procedure for the first visit. This is accompanied with dietary guidance, brushing, flossing techniques and the rest related to oral hygiene practices.
Any further queries are well accepted wither by phone calls, emails aor at the time of treatment appointment.
