Treatment of Dentine Hypersensitivity by Diode Laser: A Clinical Study

Romeo Umberto,Tenore Gianluca,Palaia Gaspare,Del Vecchio Alessandro,Russo Claudia

doi:10.1155/2012/858950

Romeo Umberto, Tenore Gianluca + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1155/2012/858950

Copy DOI

Abstract

Introduction. Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) is characterized by pain after stimuli that usually provoke no symptoms. This study compared the effectiveness of GaAlAs diode laser alone and with topical sodium fluoride gel (NaF). Materials and Methods. The study was conducted on 10 patients (8 F/2 M, age 25–60) and 115 teeth with DH assessed by air and tactile stimuli measured by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Teeth were randomly divided into G1 (34 teeth) treated by 1.25% NaF; G2 (33 teeth) lased at 0.5 W PW (T on 100 m and T off 100 ms), fluence 62.2 J/cm2 in defocused mode with a 320 μ fiber. Each tooth received three 1′ applications; G3 (48 teeth) received NaF gel plus laser at same G2 parameters. NRS was checked at each control. Results. Significant pain reduction was showed. The NRS reduction percentages were calculated, and there was a concrete decrease of DH above all in G3 than G2 and G1. Conclusion. Diode laser is a useful device for DH treatment if used alone and mainly if used with NaF gel.

Highlights

Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) is characterized by pain after stimuli that usually provoke no symptoms
Different theories have been proposed for the mechanism involved in DH etiology, recent studies gave support to Brannstrom’s hydrodynamic theory [6], according to this a stimulus applied to open tubules dentin increases the flow of dentinal tubular fluid, with mechanical deformation of the nerves located into the inner ends of the tubules or in the outer layers of the pulp [7]
The study was conducted on 10 patients (8 females and 2 males; aged from 25 to 60 years) and in a total of 115 teeth with DH assessed by mean of both air (Figure 1) and tactile (Figure 2) stimuli measured by the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS)

Summary

Introduction

Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) is characterized by pain after stimuli that usually provoke no symptoms. The study was conducted on 10 patients (8 F/2 M, age 25–60) and 115 teeth with DH assessed by air and tactile stimuli measured by Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) is an abnormal response of the exposed vital dentine to thermal, chemical, or tactile stimuli. DH prevalence is likely to increase in years since more adults keep their teeth into later life. This condition may affect patients at any age, and both genders are affected [4, 5]. Type A delta fibers are supposed to be responsible for dentinal sensitivity being probably activated by the hydrodynamic process [8]

Objectives

Methods

Results

Discussion

Conclusion