Abstract
Novel materials used for dentin hypersensitivity (DH) treatment, including hydroxyapatite-based desensitizers, are not only effective in occluding dentinal tubules, but are also biocompatible and non-toxic. A newly formulated desensitizer containing hydroxyapatite was evaluated in comparison to commercially available desensitizers. To compare the occluding efficacy and durability of 3 commercially available desensitizing agents with a pharmaceutical composition developed by the authors based on hydroxyapatite (HAp). For the experiment, 40 disc-shaped dentin specimens (5 mm thick) were obtained from extracted human teeth. Each disc was divided into 4 sections, so that each desensitizing agent could be applied to each specimen and prepared for further evaluation in most homogenous conditions. The chemical composition of the dentin surfaces was analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscope (EDS), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectra techniques. The specimens were immersed in an artificial saliva solution for 24 h, 48 h and 7 days to assess the durability of the layers and the tubule-obliteration effectiveness. Data analysis was performed using Student's t-test with an average value of normal distribution at an unknown variance with a standard deviation (SD) of σ-0.4. All the test groups showed some degree of dentinal tubule occlusion or a covering layer, but the HAp-based composition proved to be the longest-lasting. It was concluded that the developed pharmaceutical composition creates a coating on the dentin surface built of hydroxyapatite crystals sized 10-20 μm, which are likely to constitute a reservoir of calcium and phosphate ions, as well as smaller crystals (0.2-0.3 μm) that occlude dentinal tubules. The composition containing biocompatible hydroxyapatite effectively occluded dentinal tubules and therefore exhibits a potential for reducing the pain and discomfort caused by dentin hypersensitivity.
Highlights
Novel materials used for dentin hypersensitivity (DH) treatment, including hydroxyapatitebased desensitizers, are effective in occluding dentinal tubules, but are biocompatible and non-toxic
It was concluded that the developed pharmaceutical composition creates a coating on the dentin surface built of hydroxyapatite crystals sized 10–20 μm, which are likely to constitute a reservoir of calcium and phosphate ions, as well as smaller crystals (0.2–0.3 μm) that occlude dentinal tubules
When analyzing the Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectra of the individual components, we observed that the calcium phosphate (V) vibration bands were obscured by the bands derived from citric acid and glycerol
Summary
One of the many sensations accompanying us throughout our lifetime is pain. This physical sensation warns us against any violation of physiological barriers or events exceeding the adaptive possibilities of our bodies and body structures, including teeth. There are 2 main chairside approaches for treating DH: the obliteration of dentin tubules to reduce tubular fluid movement, and desensitization of nerves to reduce their sensitivity to stimuli.[5,6]. Nerves can be desensitized with the use of potassium nitrate, and dentin tubules can be occluded with, e.g., glutaraldehyde, silver nitrate or zinc chloride, sealed by dentinal adhesives, or by laser (Nd:YAG, GaAlAs, Er:YAG).[7–14]. Novel materials used for dentin hypersensitivity (DH) treatment, including hydroxyapatitebased desensitizers, are effective in occluding dentinal tubules, but are biocompatible and non-toxic. A newly formulated desensitizer containing hydroxyapatite was evaluated in comparison to commercially available desensitizers
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