Paediatric Dentistry Flashcards

According to NICE guidelines, what is the recommended frequency of bitewing radiographs for a high-caries-risk child aged 6–12 years?

Answer: 6-monthly

NICE guidelines recommend 6-monthly bitewing radiographs for children at high caries risk to detect interproximal caries early when the primary dentition is fully in contact.

What is the recommended management of early enamel caries (d1–d2) in primary molars according to the Caries in Teeth (CiT) traffic light system?

Answer: Non-operative management with fluoride varnish and dietary advice

Early enamel lesions (d1–d2) in primary teeth should be managed non-operatively with topical fluoride (fluoride varnish 22,600 ppm twice yearly for high risk), dietary counselling, and monitoring.

What is the Hall Technique for managing carious primary molars?

Answer: Sealing caries under a preformed metal crown without caries removal

The Hall Technique involves placing a preformed stainless steel crown (SSC) over a carious primary molar without caries removal or tooth preparation, sealing bacteria under the crown.

What is the most appropriate local anaesthetic for a child undergoing extraction of a lower primary molar?

Answer: 2% lidocaine with 1:80,000 adrenaline (IANB)

Inferior alveolar nerve block with 2% lidocaine and 1:80,000 adrenaline is the standard anaesthetic for lower primary molar extractions, ensuring complete anaesthesia for the procedure.

What is the recommended treatment for a primary tooth with irreversible pulpitis in a cooperative 6-year-old?

Answer: Extraction or pulpectomy if strategic, to prevent damage to underlying permanent tooth

Irreversible pulpitis in a primary tooth warrants extraction (or pulpectomy if the tooth is strategic for space maintenance), as untreated irreversible pulpitis risks abscess and damage to the permanent successor.

Which fluoride varnish concentration is recommended for application in children at high caries risk in the UK?

Answer: 22,600 ppm fluoride (Duraphat 5% varnish)

Duraphat 5% sodium fluoride varnish (22,600 ppm) is the recommended professional topical fluoride for high-risk children, applied by a dental professional at least twice yearly.