COMPARATIVE EVALUATION OF DIAGNOSTIC METHODS FOR DISEASES OF HARD TISSUES OF TEETH IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Children are different from adults in term of physical, emotional and psychological maturation and childhood is the most significant period of growth and development. Dentists currently use visual, tactile and radiographic information to detect changes in the dental hard tissues. The patient assessment forms the essential basis of treatment. Good patient’s history and careful examination are important to establish the correct diagnosis and provide appropriate treatment. This is divided into an extra-oral and intra-oral examination.The extra-oral examination is carried out first as this can fundamentally influence the treatment options. The skeletal pattern, soft tissue form and the presence or absence of habits must all be taken into account. The physical examination begins with an extraoral examination to identify possible lesions (such as rash, erythema, and pigmentation), swelling or facial asymmetry. The head and neck should be palpated to identify any tenderness, masses and lymphadenopathy. All muscles of mastication and temporomandibular joint should be palpated for tenderness; patients should be asked to open and close the mouth multiple times to evaluate any limited opening, deviations or asymmetries.