Effect of a Calcium Phosphate Desensitizer on Pre- and Postcementation Sensitivity of Teeth Prepared for Full-Coverage Restorations: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Study

Abstract

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Teethmate Desensitizer (TD), an aqueous slurry of calcium phosphates, on the pre- and postcementation sensitivity of contralateral premolars prepared for full-coverage restorations. In this clinical study, using a split-mouth design, 20 patients were allocated and two contralateral vital premolars per patient were randomly assigned to treatment with TD and placebo (PLA; distilled water). One day after preparation and temporization, sensitivity (PRE) upon air blast (AB) and probe scratch (PS) was determined using a 10-cm-long visual analog scale (VAS). The trial was double-blinded; neither the patient nor the investigator knew the treatment performed. Sensitivity was assessed immediately after treatment, before seating the final crowns after 1 week, and 1 month after cementation. Statistical data analysis was performed with one-way analysis of variance followed by Tukey post hoc test and two-sided paired t test. Statistical significance was determined at α < .05. VAS scores upon stimulation with AB and PS were significantly lower at POST and 1 week, and with AB after 1 month. TD-treated teeth showed significantly less sensitivity than PLA. At the postcementation recall, TD and PLA were not significantly different and the average pain scores were almost 0. Treatment of teeth prepared for full crown restorations with TD can significantly reduce pre- and postcementation sensitivity.