Molar-incisor hypomineralization: Therapeutic challenge to paediatric dentistry practice

Abstract

Introduction: Molar incisor hypomineralization indicates the appearance of enamel hypomineralization of systemic origin which occurs in 1-4 first permanent molars, which is often accompanied by changes on permanent incisors. Variations in clinical manifestation, together with commonly present asymmetry, are the reason for large variations in the needs for therapeutic treatment of these structural enamel defects. Case study: Two patients with diagnosed molar incisor hypomineralization are shown. The first patient, a six-year-old girl, with diagnosed mild clinical form, visited the dentist immediately after the eruption of the first permanent molars. Early diagnosis and timely application of preventive-profilactic measures, together with mild clinical form, are the reason for prevention of dental caries and further spreading of posteruptive enamel breakdown on affected first molars. Unlike the first one, the second patient, a 7,5-year-old girl had the diagnosis of moderate molar incisor hypomineralization. She developed dental caries on tooth 46 as well as complication in dental caries on tooth 36 which was extracted soon after the eruption. Conclusion: Early diagnosis and the severity of clinical appearance are the most important factors which determine therapeutic outcome of the treatment of molar incisor hypomineralization.

Keywords

• molar incisor hypomineralization
• early diagnosis
• therapeutic treatment