Comparative Evaluation of Possible Etiological Factors, Pain Sensitivity, and Anxiety Levels of Patients in Clinically Treated Molar-Incisor Hypomineralized Teeth.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate potential etiological factors, dental anxiety, and pain levels in children with molar incisor hypomineralization (MIH) and to compare them with children who have healthy enamel, with a specific focus on behavior guidance techniques.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Sixty children aged 6-12 years who were admitted to the Faculty of Dentistry at Ege University were included. The study group consisted of 30 children diagnosed with MIH and caries in the maxillary first permanent molars, whereas the control group included 30 children with similar caries but without MIH. Prenatal, perinatal, and postnatal risk factors were assessed using a parent-completed questionnaire developed from the literature. Caries severity was evaluated using the International Caries Detection and Assessment System (ICDAS), focusing on lesions scored as 4, 5, or 6. Dental anxiety was assessed with the Corah Dental Anxiety Scale (CDAS), general anxiety with the short-form State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), and pain perception using the Wong-Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (WBFPRS) and the Numerical Pain Rating Scale (NPRS). Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA) with Chi-Square, Fisher's Exact, Mann-Whitney U, and Wilcoxon tests.

RESULTS

Although risk factors were more frequent in the MIH group, the differences were not statistically significant. MIH patients reported significantly higher pain levels. A significant correlation was found between pain and dental anxiety (P < 0.05), and anxiety decreased over the course of treatment.

CONCLUSION

Effective pain management and behavior guidance are essential in managing MIH patients. These approaches reduce dental anxiety and improve cooperation during treatment.