For more information about providing restorative treatment, see module 3. Following are basic principles for providing restorative treatment to young children:

• Do not provide treatment that is more damaging than the condition being treated.
• Treat a primary tooth once so that—if possible—it does not have to be re-treated.
• Realize that most young children will not cooperate with restorative treatment.
• Recognize that short attention spans, fidgety movements, and poor oral control in young children work together to compromise outcomes, particularly with technique-sensitive procedures.
• If you choose to start a procedure, have a plan “B” to fall back on if necessary.
• Be aware that many young children who need restorative treatment will require some type of advanced behavior management such as protective stabilization or some form of pharmacological assistance. (For more information about advanced behavior management options, see Guideline on Behavior Guidance for the Pediatric Dental Patient.) (For more information about pharmacological assistance, see section 2.5 of this module.)
• Referral to a specialist, such as a pediatric dentist, may be the best option for a young child who does not cooperate with treatment.

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