Comparative in vivo study on the desensitizing efficacy of dentin desensitizers and one-bottle self-etching adhesives

This in vivo study evaluated the desensitizing efficacy of two one-bottle self-etching adhesives, two dentin desensitizers and a placebo (water).

Thirty-one volunteers with 55 hypersensitive teeth were recruited into this clinical investigation. The sensitive teeth were randomly assigned into five groups and treated with one of the following materials: iBond, Heraeus; Xeno V, Dentsply; Gluma desensitizer, Heraeus; Bifluorid 12, Voco; placebo (water). Mechanical and thermal stimuli were used to assess the tooth sensitivity response. Discomfort interval scale (DIS) scores of the sensitive teeth were recorded at three different investigation times (baseline, immediately and one month after treatment). Impressions were taken from the sensitive teeth at all three different investigation times, and replica models were made for the evaluation of the dentin surfaces by scanning electron microscopy. The Friedman test and the Mann Whitney U-test were used to analyze the data.

All dental materials significantly reduced the dentin hypersensitivity immediately (p < 0.05) and one month after treatment (p < 0.05), with the exception of Bifluorid 12 for mechanical tooth sensitivity. The placebo (water) only caused a short-term effect on the thermal dentin hypersensitivity (p < 0.05). Topical application of the dentin adhesives/desensitizers on sensitive dentinal areas resulted in occlusion of the patent tubules.

The one-bottle self-etching adhesives and dentin desensitizers involved in the current clinical investigation could significantly relieve dentin hypersensitivity immediately and over the course of a month after treatment (except for Bifluorid 12 for tooth mechanical sensitivity). The placebo (water) had an immediate effect on thermal dentin hypersensitivity.