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23G PATHOLOGY OP THE HARD TISSUES OF THE TEETH. ; ;
with similar conditions in adults, is in obtaining that control of
the child nature that will give opportunity to do for them that
which is best; or to continue expedients that will succeed tem-
porarily until increasing age and greater self-control will give
better opportunity.
Never break down the courage of
But this should be said :
a child by any operation ; never break down the nervous system
of a child ; never give a child a nervous shock that it will recover
from tardily; better delay an operation, better do almost any-
thing than do this. It is true that in some cases demanding the
extraction of a tooth, we must perform the operation, cost what
it will ; we must relieve the patient of suffering ; but children
bear a shock of this kind quite well. If an operation that is very
severe is over in a few moments, giving the child the opportunity
to recover at once, the child usually will recover without diffi-
culty. Tedious, prolonged operations, those that come day after
day, break down a child's nervous system and destroy the child's
courage. The child forgets a severe hurt quickly, but the nervous
shock that comes from continuous and repeated operations is
that which breaks down the child most. There is another thought
that it is well for everyone to remember — to succeed with a
child is of the utmost importance, if you wish to retain control
of the child. To fail of success, is to make an enemy of the child.
Therefore, the careful planning of operations for them is of
special importance. Children do not forget these things readily
they grow up with an impression of hatred toward this or that
person who has undertaken to make operations for them and has
failed. On the other hand, if you succeed and gain the confidence
of the child, it will grow up your friend and will make other
friends for you. These are very important considerations in the
handling of children.
In the handling of children the psychic influences are of
importance. Some persons control children easily; children
take to them, while they seem to shun others ; particularly when
it comes to operations that are painful, children fail to give them
their confidence. Often persons who are skillful operators and
able to command a large practice, can not operate well for chil-
dren ; children do not like them for some reason. Others seem
particularly fitted for the handling of children in their distress
they control children easily. There is something in the approach
that gains the confidence of the child. This can be cultivated in
a iarge degree. Generally those persons who have a great love
for children control them well. But this is not the universal rule.