Combination of Basic Behavior Guidance for Children During Dental Impressions

Abstract

Background: Taking impressions of dental working models is a crucial step in creating space maintainers. However, this procedure is often challenging for pediatric patients because it can cause anxiety, uncooperativeness, and a gag reflex, potentially affecting the quality of the impressions. Therefore, an effective behavioral management approach is needed to increase patient cooperation during the procedure. Purpose: The primary objective of this case report is to determine the effectiveness of using a combination of child behavioral management techniques, including Tell-Show-Do, Enhanced Control, and Positive Reinforcement, during the procedure of impressions of dental working models for space maintainers. Case: A 7-year-old girl presented to Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Soelastri Dental and Oral Hospital with her mother complaining of empty spaces in her lower jaw after extractions several months ago. Her parents were concerned that the adjacent teeth would shift and cause misalignment of the permanent teeth. Case Management: Making dental impressions using a combination of child behavior management techniques using Tell-Show-Do, Enhanced Control, and Positive Reinforcement. Conclusion: The combination of Tell-Show-Do, Enhanced Control, and Positive Reinforcement effectively improved the child’s cooperation, reduced anxiety and gag reflex, and facilitated successful dental impressions for space maintainer fabrication.