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as could be expected, the cases have generally been those where
treatment has not been accepted before, or where treatment was
not accepted when last inspected.
Filling of Deciduous Teeth.
By reason of the contrast in the numbers so treated now
as compared with the treatment prior to my appointment it seems
imperative that some comment be made. This treatment is actuated
by the fact of the great importance that the retention of the deciduous
teeth are to be the position which the permanent teeth come to
ultimately occupy, and is in addition to the importance of the
masticatory machinery so necessary to the growing child. Though
filling of the deciduous teeth is a process somewhat longer than
that of extraction it is at the same time considerably shorter than
the filling of a permanent tooth. If the point of time therefore is
alone to be considered, this process seems to be most fully justified.
Co-operation with the Schools.
An effort is now in being whereby appointments are made
to minimise as far as possible the loss of school time to the child
in attending for dental treatment.
Parents or Guardians attending Clinic with Children for Treatment.
Every effort is made to stimulate interest in the importance of
the care of the teeth. The seeking of information and advice from
the department is at all times strongly encouraged and the reasons
for the various treatments readily and fully explained.
Nature of Treatment to be done.
At the present time in appointments being made a distinction
is made between "cases of extractions under gas" and "cases of
fillings and extraction under local anaesthetic." It does unfortunately
very much depend upon what the condition is found within
the tooth in preparing it for filling before it can definitely be stated
whether the tooth is saveable or not. Exceptions to this are, of
course, teeth which are in a condition for which it is obvious
extraction is the only treatment. On every occasion where any
form of treatment is particularly objected to at the Clinic, the full
reasons for such treatment having been intended is made clear.