Pediatric dentistry complications and challenges

Pediatric dentistry is an age-defined specialty, providing primary and comprehensive care to children from birth to 21 years of age and individuals with developmental disabilities or special health-care needs of any age. The most common treatment challenges in children are discussed in this chapter. The types of complications include the treatment of dental caries, behavioral challenges, developmental and acquired disorders, eruption anomalies, dental trauma, and patients with special needs or developmental disabilities. Complications and challenges related to the treatment of children often arise as a result of the developmental level of the child or their ability to understand and cooperate for care in the traditional dental setting. A summary description of each complication's presentation, prevention, and treatment is included. The dentist can use this chapter as a guide to manage pediatric dental complications that arise in the office be familiar with best practices and to understand when it is appropriate to refer the patient to a specialist.