Current perspectives on management approaches for molar incisor hypomineralization: preliminary findings from the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network

The purpose of this study is to assess approaches used by National Dental Practice-Based Research Network dentists when they encounter newly erupted molars with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH). This is a cross-sectional survey-based study where 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 hypomineralized molars, and (3) identifying which approaches dentists use when hypomineralized molars present at a non-carious early stage of enamel breakdown. Three-fourths (75%) of respondents would always inform patients of molar defects. There was no consensus about using SDF to manage hypomineralized molars; 26% said that they would never use SDF. There was substantial variation in recommendations for managing non-carious hypomineralized molars: 40% recommended routine preventive visits with topical fluoride application, and only 1% recommended restorations. Although Network dentists would routinely inform patients of MIH, they exhibited little consensus about how best to manage it.

Molar incisor hypomineralization; Management; Treatment; National Dental Practice-Based Research Network

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