Treatment outcomes and dental anxiety in 18-year-olds with MIH, comparisons with healthy controls - a longitudinal study

International Journal of Paediatric Dentistry 2012; 22: 85–91 Background. In a previous study, 9‐year‐old children with severe Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH) had undergone dental treatment of their first molars nearly ten times as often as children in a control group. They also showed more management problems (BMP) and fear and anxiety (DFA). Aim. To assess the long‐term outcomes of dental treatments, dental anxiety, and patients’ satisfaction in adolescents with MIH. Design. Sixty‐seven patients, identical with those in the baseline study, were studied at age 18‐years. The participants answered the Children’s Fear Survey Schedule – Dental Subscale the Dental Visit Satisfaction Scale (DVSS). Data were compiled from the dental records concerning dental health, number of restorative treatments and BMP. Results. Molar Incisor Hypomineralization group had a significantly higher DMFT, and had undergone treatment of their permanent first molars 4.2 times as often as the controls. BMP was still significantly more common in the MIH group. However, DFS was reduced in MIH group and increased in the control groups. The DVSS scores did not differ between the groups. Conclusions. Patients with severe MIH had a poorer dental health and were still more treatment consuming at age 18‐years. However, their dental fear was now at the same level as the controls.