Efficiency of glass ionomer sealant application in reducing hypersensitivity in MIH-molars in schoolchildren immediately and after 12 weeks

Aim: This prospective clinical study aimed to clinically investigate the efficiency of (GIC) glass-ionomer cement application (Ionostar Plus + Easy Glaze, VOCO) in reducing hypersensitivity in permanent molars affected by molar incisor hypomineralisation when assessed immediately (15 min) and 12 weeks after its application.

Materials and methods: Children with at least one hypersensitive MIH-affected permanent molar (MIH-TNI-3 or 4). The pre-treatment status was evaluated and only included if they did not receive a tooth-specific in-office desensitizing treatment within one month. Clinical pain assessments were performed using the schiff score air sensitivity scale (SCASS) and Wong-baker faces Scale (WBFS).

Results: This study involved 25 participants (mean age 8.6 ± 1.85 years) with 43 hypersensitive MIH-molars of which about half were SCASS 3 (n = 24, 55.8%) and SCASS 2 (n = 19, 44.2%). Regarding hypersensitivity, the reported mean SCASS score reduced significantly from 2.56 (± 0.50) at baseline to 1.14 (± 0.96) after 15 min of GIC sealant application and even further to 0.71 (± 0.89) after 12 weeks (P < 0.001, Paired t test). Similarly, reported WBFS scores also significantly reduced from 5.81 (± 2.50; Range = 2-10) at baseline to 2.88 (± 2.31; Range = 0-10) after 15 min and to 2.95 (± 2.17) after 12 weeks, respectively (P < 0.001, Paired t test). The mean reduction in SCASS scores was 1.3 (± 0.6) and 1.4 (± 1.0) for baseline SCASS 2 vs. 3, respectively.

Conclusion: GIC coverage is effective in providing clear instant relief from hypersensitivity in MIH molars in schoolchildren, which improves even further over a period of 12 weeks.