Tooth sensitivity during and after vital tooth bleaching: A systematic review on an unsolved problem

Area of Science:

• Dental Materials Science
• Clinical Dentistry
• Evidence-Based Dentistry

Background:

• Tooth bleaching is a popular cosmetic dental procedure.
• Tooth sensitivity is a common side effect of vital tooth bleaching.
• The causes and characteristics of bleaching sensitivity (BS) are not well-defined.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review and evaluate the occurrence, severity, and duration of tooth sensitivity during and after vital tooth bleaching.
• To identify potential sources and risk factors for bleaching sensitivity (BS).
• To provide clinicians with an evidence-based overview of current findings on BS.

Main Methods:

• A systematic literature search was conducted in multiple databases (Cochrane, Ebsco, Embase, PubMed, Scopus) from 1991 to 2015.
• Included studies were randomized controlled trials with at least 30 participants and statistical analysis of BS.
• Data extraction and quality assessment were performed on selected studies.

Main Results:

• 18 of 136 identified articles met the inclusion criteria.
• Data on BS occurrence, severity, and duration were limited and varied significantly across studies.
• Most included studies had a high risk of bias, and evidence-based explanations for BS were lacking.

Conclusions:

• Bleaching sensitivity (BS) remains an incompletely understood phenomenon in vital tooth bleaching.
• Further high-quality research adhering to CONSORT guidelines is necessary to elucidate BS.
• Clinicians require better evidence to manage and explain BS to patients.