CLINICAL ASPECT AND REDUCTION IN MINERAL DENSITY USING LASER FLUORESCENCE IN HYPOMINERALIZATION

Diagnosis of Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) is mainly determined according to the clinical aspect of defects; however criteria are still not well defined. The AIM of this study was to assess the relation between the clinical presentation of enamel (clinically intact surfaces, mild and moderate defects without loss of enamel) and reduction in mineral density (MD) measured using Laser fluorescence (LF) in MIH and without MIH patients. Subjects, METHODS: During the school year between May and June 2013 all children aged 5-17 years who visited this academic unit for comprehensive dental care were evaluated. Two groups according to the clinical aspect of enamel were established: A (patients without MIH, n= 24 teeth) and B (patients with MIH, n= 34 teeth). All teeth assessment was made with DIAGNOdent (KaVo, Biberach, Germany) by one examiner trained in the device use. After drying the enamel with a 3-in-1 syringe for approximately 8 s, LF was measured on the buccal surface of clinically intact surfaces in teeth with and without MIH, and in mild and moderate defects without loss of enamel in teeth that had been colour-coded, in patients with MIH. The data recorded were analyzed statistically using Percentages with their 95% Confidence Intervals, Mean and Standard Deviation, Student t-Test and ANOVA. RESULTS: DM values in clinically intact enamel were 1.31+0.43 (CI: 1.14-1.47) in A and 1.53+0.50 (1.35-1.71) in B (p = 0.04). In B, DM values in mild defects were 19.68+6.49 (CI: 17.41-21.94) and in moderate defects 52.99+13.85 (CI: 48.15-57.82) p=0.000. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest a reduction in MD in clinically intact enamel in teeth with MIH and a relationship between visual detection and reduction of mineral density recorded with laser fluorescence. Further studies are needed with a larger sample size.Grant: UBACyT O 0200007BA