Effectiveness of sodium fluoride on tooth hypersensitivity with and without iontophoresis

The purpose of this study was to assess the short and long term reduction of dentinal hypersensitivity by a single application of sodium fluoride with and without iontophoresis. Two teeth in each of 16 patients were blindly evaluated before and after treatment, and at 1, 3, and 6 months. A blast of air and tactile pressure were used to assess pain. Results indicate that there is significant, immediate reduction in dentinal hypersensitivity with the use of iontophoresis that is lost with time. The use of sodium fluoride alone had no effect. Sodium fluoride with iontophoresis was demonstrated to have an immediate post treatment effect (P less than .001) that lasted through the 3-month observation period. The data suggest that iontophoresis may be a useful adjunct to sensitivity therapy and that an immediate therapeutic effect may be achieved. The efficacy of the use of sodium fluoride alone is obscured by the natural reduction of root sensitivity observed with time.