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Molar incisor malformation in six cases: description and diagnostic protocol
Ingvild Johnsen Brusevold1, Thea Martine Granvoll Bie2, Christine Sophie Baumgartner2
1Department of Paediatric Dentistry and Behavioural Science, Institute of Clinical Dentistry, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Oral Biology, Faculty of Dentistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.
Molar-incisor malformation (MIM) is linked to early childhood head/neck health issues, causing impaired root development in molars and incisors. Early detection and timely intervention are crucial for managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Pediatric Dentistry
- Oral and Maxillofacial Radiology
Background:
- Molar-incisor malformation (MIM) is a recently described condition characterized by localized impaired root development.
- This study presents six new cases of MIM referred for clinical and radiological examination.
Observation:
- Affected teeth included first permanent molars with hypoplastic roots, narrow pulp chambers, and cervical hypercalcified dentine.
- Two cases also exhibited cervical constrictions on upper incisors.
- Patients were 8-12 years old, generally healthy, but had experienced severe early-life head and neck medical conditions.
Findings:
- Five of six patients showed a potential association between severe early-life head and neck health problems and molar and incisor root malformations.
- Radiological and micro-computed tomography/microscopy analyses revealed specific dental anomalies.
Implications:
- MIM requires close patient monitoring and carefully timed extraction planning.
- Timely management can prevent further infection, pain, and orthodontic complications.
