Comparative efficacy of two treatment modalities for dentinal hypersensitivity: a clinical trial

Dentin hypersensitivity is a recurrent condition causing discomfort and sometimes pain to the patient, which also deters him from maintaining adequate oral hygiene. Home care and office measures are used for treatment of this malady.

To evaluate and compare the efficacy of 2 treatment modalities for dentinal hypersensitivity, iontophoresis with acidulated phosphate gel (APF) gel, and dentin-bonding agent application.

This split mouth randomized clinical study recruited subjects with a history of hypersensitivity with at least 2 teeth, verified by a light stroke with a dental explorer along the cervical third of the teeth. The patients were subjected to a 1-s air blast and cold water stimuli and their responses were recorded on a verbal rating scale. A total of 30 sites from 15 patients were divided into Group A-1.23% APF gel iontophoresis; and Group B-aqueous solution of hydroxyl-ethyl-methacrylate and glutaraldehyde. The teeth were evaluated immediately after the treatment and at the end of 2 weeks. In case of failure, the tooth was retreated with the same agent as before.

The results were statistically analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis analysis of variance and Mann-Whitney U tests. There was no statistically significant difference between the groups at the end of 2 weeks. However, Group A was more effective clinically, with fewer number of failures compared with Group B.

Both the agents showed a statistically significant reduction in sensitivity compared with baseline; however, APF gel iontophoresis was more effective in reducing hypersensitivity over a longer time period.