NEET MDS Lessons
Pedodontics
Rubber Dam in Dentistry
The rubber dam is a crucial tool in dentistry, primarily used for isolating teeth during various procedures. Developed by Barnum in 1864, it enhances the efficiency and safety of dental treatments.
Rationale for Using Rubber Dam
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Maintains Clean and Visible Field
- The rubber dam isolates the treatment area from saliva and blood, providing a clear view for the clinician.
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Patient Protection
- Prevents aspiration or swallowing of foreign bodies, such as dental instruments or materials, ensuring patient safety.
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Clinician Protection
- Reduces the risk of exposure to blood and saliva, minimizing the potential for cross-contamination.
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Reduces Risk of Cross-Contamination
- Particularly important in procedures involving the root canal system, where maintaining a sterile environment is critical.
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Retracts and Protects Soft Tissues
- The dam retracts the cheeks, lips, and tongue, protecting soft tissues from injury during dental procedures.
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Increases Efficiency
- Minimizes the need for patient cooperation and frequent rinsing, allowing for a more streamlined workflow.
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Application of Medicaments
- Facilitates the application of medicaments without the fear of dilution from saliva or blood.
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Improved Properties of Restorative Material
- Ensures that restorative materials set properly by keeping the area dry and free from contamination.
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Psychological Benefit to the Patient
- Provides a sense of security and comfort, as patients may feel more at ease knowing that the area is isolated and protected.
Rubber Dam Sheet Specifications
Rubber dam sheets are available in various thicknesses, which can affect their handling and application:
- Thin: 0.15 mm
- Medium: 0.20 mm
- Heavy: 0.25 mm
- Extra-Heavy: 0.30 mm
- Special Heavy: 0.35 mm
Sizes and Availability
- Rubber dam sheets can be purchased in rolls or prefabricated sizes, typically 5” x 5” or 6” x 6”.
- Non-latex rubber dams are available only in the 6” x 6” size.
Color Options
- Rubber dams come in various colors. Darker colors provide better visual contrast, while lighter colors can illuminate the operating field and facilitate the placement of radiographic films beneath the dam.
Surface Characteristics
- Rubber dam sheets have a shiny and a dull surface. The dull surface is typically placed facing occlusally, as it is less reflective and reduces glare, enhancing visibility for the clinician.
Postnatal Period: Developmental Milestones
The postnatal period, particularly the first year of life, is crucial for a child's growth and development. This period is characterized by rapid physical, motor, cognitive, and social development. Below is a summary of key developmental milestones from birth to 52 weeks.
Neonatal Period (1-4 Weeks)
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Physical Positioning:
- In the prone position, the child lies flexed and can turn its head from side to side. The head may sag when held in a ventral suspension.
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Motor Responses:
- Grasp reflex is active, indicating neurological function.
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Visual Preferences:
- Shows a preference for human faces, which is important for social development.
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Physical Characteristics:
- Face is round with a small mandible.
- Abdomen is prominent, and extremities are relatively short.
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Criteria for Assessing Premature Newborns:
- Born between the 28th to 37th week of gestation.
- Birth weight of 2500 grams (5-8 lb) or less.
- Birth length of 47 cm (18 ½ inches) or less.
- Head length below 11.5 cm (4 ½ inches).
- Head circumference below 33 cm (13 inches).
4 Weeks
- Motor Development:
- Holds chin up and can lift the head momentarily to the plane of the body when in ventral suspension.
- Social Interaction:
- Begins to smile, indicating early social engagement.
- Visual Tracking:
- Watches people and follows moving objects.
8 Weeks
- Head Control:
- Sustains head in line with the body during ventral suspension.
- Social Engagement:
- Smiles in response to social contact.
- Auditory Response:
- Listens to voices and begins to coo.
12 Weeks
- Head and Chest Control:
- Lifts head and chest, showing early head control with bobbing motions.
- Defensive Movements:
- Makes defensive movements, indicating developing motor skills.
- Auditory Engagement:
- Listens to music, showing interest in auditory stimuli.
16 Weeks
- Posture and Movement:
- Lifts head and chest with head in a vertical axis; symmetric posture predominates.
- Sitting:
- Enjoys sitting with full truncal support.
- Social Interaction:
- Laughs out loud and shows excitement at the sight of food.
28 Weeks
- Mobility:
- Rolls over and begins to crawl; sits briefly without support.
- Grasping Skills:
- Reaches for and grasps large objects; transfers objects from hand to hand.
- Vocalization:
- Forms polysyllabic vowel sounds; prefers mother and babbles.
- Social Engagement:
- Enjoys looking in the mirror.
40 Weeks
- Independent Sitting:
- Sits up alone without support.
- Standing and Cruising:
- Pulls to a standing position and "cruises" or walks while holding onto furniture.
- Fine Motor Skills:
- Grasps objects with thumb and forefinger; pokes at things with forefinger.
- Vocalization:
- Produces repetitive consonant sounds (e.g., "mama," "dada") and responds to the sound of their name.
- Social Play:
- Plays peek-a-boo and waves goodbye.
52 Weeks
- Walking:
- Walks with one hand held and rises independently, taking several steps.
- Object Interaction:
- Releases objects to another person on request or gesture.
- Vocabulary Development:
- Increases vocabulary by a few words beyond "mama" and "dada."
- Self-Care Skills:
- Makes postural adjustments during dressing, indicating growing independence.