Comparative clinical efficacy of four different desensitising agents in relieving post-bleaching sensitivity

Abstract

Aim: To clinically assess and compare the efficacy on hypersensitivity experienced post-bleaching as an elective cosmetic procedure using four different types of desensitizing agents at four different time intervals. Materials and Methods: 100 patients were selected using the inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly divided into 5 groups of 20 each. Group I – Control group (placebo), Group II – Pro-argin (Colgate Pro-Relief), group III – Novamin (Vantej), group IV – Potassium nitrate 5% and sodium monofluorophosphate (RA Thermoseal), and group V – Anti-cay (Toothmin). The respective desensitizing agent was applied to each group after the bleaching procedure was conducted for 10 minutes in two sessions. Objective and subjective scales were used to assess post-bleaching sensitivity after 24 hours and 7 days. Statistical Analysis: It was done using chi-square test, ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey’s test. Results: Using the both the scales, there was significant difference between sensitivity experienced by the control group vs all the other groups. Using the subjective scale, significant difference was found between control group and group IV initially and between control group and groups IV and V ultimately on day 14. Conclusion: The desensitizing agents used in the study show effective reduction after an in-office vital tooth bleaching. There is insignificant difference amongst the desensitizing agents using the objective scale; however, some variation is seen at different time intervals using the subjective one. Keywords: Bleaching treatments, Dentin sensitivity, Desensitizing agents, Sensitivity, Tooth bleaching, Toothpastes