Current Perspectives on Management Approaches for Molar Incisor Hypomineralization: Preliminary findings from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network.

Abstract

Purpose: To assess approaches used by National Dental Practice-Based Research Network dentists when they encounter newly erupted molars with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH).

Methods: A brief questionnaire ("Quick Poll") was administered to explore three early management areas of molars affected with MIH: (1) regularity of informing parents about these enamel defect; (2) frequency of using silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to treat MIH on molars, and (3) identifying which approaches dentists use when these molars present at a non-carious early stage of enamel breakdown.

Results: Three-fourths (75%) of respondents would always inform patients of molar defects. There was no consensus about using SDF to manage MIH on molars; 26% said that they would never use SDF. There was substantial variation in recommendations for managing non-carious molars with MIH: 39% recommended routine preventive visits with topical fluoride application and only 1% recommended restorations.

Conclusion: Although Network dentists would routinely inform patients of MIH, they exhibited little consensus about how best to manage it.