Comparative evaluation of diode laser and fluoride varnish for treatment of dentin hypersensitivity: A clinical study

Abstract

Aim: The aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of diode laser and fluoride varnish in the treatment of dental hypersensitivity (DH). Settings and Design: Randomized control clinical trial. Subjects and Methods: A randomized clinical trial was done on 40 teeth selected from 17 patients. Visual analog scale (VAS) >3 from both sexes were randomly allocated into two groups: 20 teeth in diode laser group and 20 in fluoride group. Teeth were subjected to vitality testing to rule out any pulpal pathology. Dentine hypersensitivity was evaluated using tactile stimulus and air blast at baseline, 15, 30, and 60 days. Statistical Analysis Used: Independent student t test, ANOVA. Results: After 15 days both the treatment modalities were effective and the effectiveness was maintained all through 60 days. However, the effectiveness of fluoride varnish started reducing by the end of 60th day, whereas, diode laser shown significant effectiveness in reducing DH even at the end of 60th day. Conclusion: The diode laser and fluoride varnish, both are effective in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. However, over a period of 60 days, diode laser showed superior results when compared to fluoride varnish.