Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the features of dentinal tubules occlusion following application of three commercially available desensitizing agents: potassium oxalate-based / Oxa-Gel (OX), HEMA and glutaraldehyde-based / Gluma Desensitizer (GD) and acidulated phosphate fluoride-based / Nupro Gel (AF). Buccal cervical areas of twenty-four extracted human third molars were smoothed and wet-polished with SiC papers and diamond pastes, in order to simulate the clinical aspect of hypersensitive dentin cervical surfaces. The teeth were randomly divided into four groups (n=6), according to the dentin surface treatments: G1: untreated; G2: OX; G3: GD; G4: AF. Specimens were fractured in the lingual-buccal direction and prepared for SEM analysis. OX promoted tubule occlusion by crystal-like deposits in the lumen of the tubules. While GL created a thin layer over the dentin surface, AF application produced precipitates that occluded the tubules. According to the SEM analysis, all desensitizing agents were able to occlude the dentinal tubules.
Highlights
Previous studies have shown that hypersensitive areas may present exposed dentinal tubules[2,21]
The hydrodynamic theory assumes that a stimulus applied on the dentin surface causes movement of tubular fluid, which in turn activates mechanoreceptor nerves, eliciting pain and discomfort[3]
Photomicrographs for untreated, control group and desensitizing agents applied on dentin surface are shown in Figures 1 to 4
Summary
Previous studies have shown that hypersensitive areas may present exposed dentinal tubules[2,21]. The hydrodynamic theory assumes that a stimulus applied on the dentin surface causes movement of tubular fluid, which in turn activates mechanoreceptor nerves, eliciting pain and discomfort[3]. According to this theory, if the functional radius of opened dentinal tubules decreases, the permeability is decreased, reducing dentin sensitivity. Treatments for hypersensitivity should occlude dentinal tubules and prevent nerve sensitivity. Some products have been indicated to treat dentin hypersensitivity due to their ability to occlude tubules[7]. Effective treatment with long-term results has been related to intratubular deposition, which reduces the fluid flow rate or totally seals the tubule lumen[16]
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