Hypomineralized molars and incisors of unknown origin: treatment outcome at age 18 years

To assess the outcome of treatment of hypomineralized molars and incisors of unknown aetiology (MIH) in 18-year-olds.

A follow-up study including clinical examination, panoramic radiography and intraoral photos.

Seventy-six individuals treated at the Eastman Dental Institute in Stockholm during 1978-2001 with the diagnosis MIH. Severity of enamel defects in molars and incisors, prevalence and distribution of extracted molars, type, quality and median duration of restorations, periradicular condition of affected molars, dental occlusion and space closure in cases of extraction, as well as the individual's satisfaction with the treatment, were assessed.

Severe defects with enamel surface breakdown in all four molars occurred in 42% of the individuals and 29% had at least one incisor with yellow/brown opacity in the enamel. At follow up, 42% of the individuals had at least one molar extracted; 18% had all four molars extracted. The median duration of the molar restorations (n = 153) was 5 years. Of the individuals with restored molars, 48% had at least one unacceptable restoration. Periradicular pathology was observed in three molars. The sagittal relations did not differ between individuals with and without extraction of molars. Space closure was acceptable in 87% of the individuals with extracted molars. Eighty percent were satisfied with the treatment.

Extraction of molars with severe enamel defects gave good or acceptable results in a majority of the patients while conservative restorative treatment resulted in a need for additional treatment in approximately half of the patients.