Hydroxyapatite delivery to dentine tubules using carboxymethyl cellulose dental hydrogel for treatment of dentine hypersensitivity

This study evaluated the effectiveness of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) hydrogel as a dental gel in delivering hydroxyapatite (HAp) to dentine tubules and reducing/eliminating dental hypersensitivity. The hydrogel was prepared by mixing solutions of CMC/ glycerol and distilled water/sorbitol then modified to contain 0%, 10%, 20% and 30% HAp. The pH of the hydrogels decreased and viscosity increased with increasing HAp content. A viability assay was performed to determine the cytotoxicity of the hydrogel samples and proliferation/adhesion behavior of cells cultured on the hydrogel surface. The samples promoted cell proliferation and became more biocompatible with the addition of HAp. Dentin discs were prepared and then treated with the fabricated hydrogels. Occlusion of the dentine tubules was observed by scanning electron microscopy before and after treatment. Blocking of the dentin tubules was markedly affected by the addition of HAp to the hydrogel samples that can result in possible reduction or elimination of hypersensitivity.