Preventive Impact of Fuji Triage and Laser Therapy on Caries and Post-Eruptive Breakdown on Hypomineralised Molars (6-Months Pilot Study)

Objectives: Molar Incisor Hypomineralisation (MIH) is a qualitative defect of enamel asymmetrically involving 1-4 permanent first molars (PFM) with or without incisor teeth. MIH molars are prone to caries and post-eruptive breakdown (PEB). Our study aimed to evaluate and compare the preventive effect of glass ionomer sealant (Fuji triage) and laser therapy (LT) against dental caries and PEB on molars affected by molar incisor hypomineralisation (MIH).
Methods: Thirty children aged 6-9 with MIH in PFM, with ICDAS scores 0-2 and no PEB, were randomly allocated into two groups: LT (n=15) and Fuji triage (n=15). Evaluated at 6, 12, and 18 months for caries, PEB, and sealant retention. ICDAS differences analyzed using Mann Whitney U test. Friedman test assessed changes over time followed by pairwise comparisons with Bonferroni Correction. Fisher’s Exact and Cochran’s Q tests used for PBE. Significance level set at p<0.05.
Results: No significant differences existed among the groups at baseline, 3 months and 6 months regarding ICDAS scores and PEB. Significant increase in Fuji triage group's ICDAS scores between baseline and 3 months (p<0.001*). PEB cases at 6 months: 20% in Fuji triage, 13.3% in LT. Sealant retention: 60% fully retained, 26.7% partially retained, 13.3% completely lost.
Conclusions: Although not statistically significant, LT had a preventive impact on caries more than Fuji triage due to partial or complete loss of sealant retention in 40% of cases. However, there was adequate PEB prevention in both groups. Longer follow up periods and increasing sample size are recommended.