A practice-based randomised controlled trial of the efficacy of three interventions to reduce dentinal hypersensitivity
Abstract
Objectives
The
aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of three different
interventions (non-desensitising toothpaste, desensitising toothpaste
and professionally applied dentine bonding agent) in reducing dentinal
hypersensitivity over a two week, three month and six month period in a
dental practice setting.
Methods
This
was a randomised controlled, single-blind; parallel-group trial
conducted in general dental practice by a single general dental
practitioner. Seventy five subjects were randomly allocated to three
groups; non-desensitising toothpaste (NDT), desensitising toothpaste
(DT) and professionally applied desensitising agent (DA). Dentinal
hypersensitivity was measured using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) to
record the response from a standardised short blast of air from a triple
syringe. Dentinal hypersensitivity was recorded at baseline, two weeks,
three months and six months for all groups.
Results
Dentinal
hypersensitivity reduced significantly (p < 0.0001) in both groups
DT and DA, in addition the reduction in sensitivity was sustained and
continued to improve over a 6 month period. The greatest reduction in
dentinal hypersensitivity was recorded in group DA.
Conclusions
The
results from this study suggest that application of dentine bonding
agents, to teeth diagnosed with dentine hypersensitivity provides the
greatest improvement in dentine hypersensitivity at 2 weeks and 6
months. This reduction in dentine hypersensitivity is greater than that
achieved by the desensitising toothpaste tested and a non-desensitising
toothpaste.
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