A Clinical Comparison of in -office Management of Dentin Hypersensitivity in a Short Term Treatment Period

Objective:To determine the differences in efficiency of four desensitizing agents in relieving dentin hypersensitivity in a time period of 2 weeks. Material and methods: 50 participants who responded positively to intraoral testing for dentin hypersensitivity using a split-mouth-designed study were recruited for the study. Sensitivity was assessed by means of thermal and thermal/evaporative stimuli using VAS (visual analogue scale). After recording the baseline scores, the patients were randomly assigned to treatment with the desensitising agents -Clinpro XT varnish (Group I), Gluma power gel (Group II), Bifluoride 12 varnish (Group III) , GC Tooth Mousse plus (Group IV). After 10 minutes the patient’s responses was recorded. The follow-up was done after 1week and again after 2 weeks from the time of application of the agents. Results: All the four desensitizing agents were successful in relieving the sensitivity of the patients. Multiple group comparison between groups showed highly significant differences, Group I showed maximum effectiveness followed by Group IV, Group II,& Group III after 10mins. The effectiveness of agents after 1 week was in the same order. However after 2 weeks it was seen that group I was most effective followed by group II & group IV, with Group III being the least effective. Conclusion: Dental professionals need to understand the causes of dentin hypersensitivity. Once a diagnosis has been made and the factors have been identified a treatment plan can be outlined to the patient for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.