Comparative Efficacy of Experimental Solutions in Occluding Dentin Tubules: Calcium Phosphate Based and Oxalate-Based Solutions

To investigate the efficacy in occluding dentin tubules of a modified calcium phosphate based solution supplemented with fluoride and zinc ions (CaP), dentine discs were separately treated with CaP and certain common desensitizing agents including potassium oxalate solution (OX), modified oxalate solutions supplemented with calcium ions (OX/Ca) or phosphate ions (OX/P) for 8 minutes, followed by occluding abilities evaluation with scanning electron microscopy (SEM). CaP showed the highest per cent of sealed dentin tubules and penetrated the most deeply into the tubules, whereas the oxalate modified and unmodified groups showed predominantly open or partially occluded tubules. OX/Ca and OX/P were more efficient in occluding dentin tubules compared with OX. Furthermore, the occluded material obtained with the experimental CaP solutions was more stable (less susceptible to acid dissolution) compared with those from experimental oxalate solutions. Thus CaP could be a new desensitizing agent in dentin hypersensitivity.