A comparison of the efficacy of potassium nitrate and Gluma desensitizer in the reduction of hypersensitivity in teeth with full-crown preparations.

AIM The aim of this clinical investigation was to compare the efficacy of Gluma Desensitizer and potassium nitrate desensitizing agents on the reduction of hypersensitivity of teeth prepared for full coverage crowns. METHODS AND MATERIALS This study included 75 vital teeth in 25 patients in need of fixed prosthesis treatment. After completing routine examinations, hypersensitivity of the teeth was measured using an air sensitivity test. The measurement of sensitivity was using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS) before preparation, after preparation, before using desensitizers, after using desensitizers, and before cementation. Each tooth was randomly put into one of the three groups of 25 teeth according to the desensitizing agent used (potassium nitrate, Gluma, and the control). In each patient potassium nitrate was used on one of the abutments and Gluma was used on the other abutment and on the third abutment (the control) no substance was used. RESULTS Both desensitizers decreased dentinal hypersensitivity in vital teeth prepared for full-coverage crowns, but potassium nitrate was more effective when applied before cementation. In 88% of the teeth to which Gluma was applied a vascular pain (with pulse) was present. CONCLUSION The results of this investigation suggest the application of potassium nitrate to dentin in full crown preparations prior to cementation reduces post-operative sensitivity. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE Clinical experiments show the preparation of vital teeth for full coverage crowns can cause sharp, transient pain as a result of dentinal hypersensitivity in the majority of cases. Several different substances and methods have been suggested for reducing such hypersensitivity including costly laser treatments. However, the findings of this study indicate the use of desensitizer substances such as potassium nitrate can reduce tooth hypersensitivity efficiently with less expense.