271 - Digital Workflow for the Rehabilitation of Pediatric Patients: Case Report

Abstract:

Purpose: Describe the clinical management and restorative treatment of a patient with Molar Incisor Hypomineralization (MIH). The study focuses on implementing a digital workflow using intraoral scanning and 3D printing to minimize clinical chair time and improve long-term prognosis.

Methods: Severe crown destruction caused by qualitative enamel defects, such as MIH, often needs endodontic treatment at an early age. Consequently, immediate reconstruction is vital to ensure the tooth's functionality and survival. A 13-year-old female patient was referred to the Pediatric Dentistry Clinic at DEPeI UNAM from the Endodontics department for the rehabilitation of tooth 19. Following a high caries risk assessment due to dietary habits, a preventive phase was initiated, including plaque control, oral hygiene instruction, prophylaxis, and topical fluoride application. After stabilization, the tooth was digitized using an intraoral scanner to evaluate the remaining structure. A 3-D printed resin endocrown was selected as the definitive restoration, enabling a "single-visit" treatment. The intraoral scanner, which uses laser or structured light to create precise 3D coordinates, eliminated the discomfort of traditional impressions, enhanced patient cooperation, and reduced procedural mistakes.

Results: Rehabilitating the posterior sector with 3D-printed ceramic-reinforced resins successfully halted the progression of structural damage. This restorative approach demonstrated significant improvements in both masticatory function and the patient’s aesthetic appearance.

Conclusions: Integrating digital workflows into pediatric dentistry offers substantial benefits. The process provides high-precision anatomical replicas through a simple, painless procedure. Furthermore, it allows for streamlined digital planning and manufacturing, which shortens appointment times while maintaining high-quality clinical standards.

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