Comparative clinical evaluation of gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode laser and potassium nitrate in treating dentinal...

Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a chronic disorder in which patients report sharp and acute pain to a variety of stimuli. Till date, a standardized procedure to treat DH is missing, though several alternative treatment strategies have been designed, including laser therapies.

The aim of the study was to treat DH with minimum chemical concentration and least laser energy level with longer follow-up period.

One hundred and twenty patients were randomly divided into four groups: (i) Group 1-5% potassium nitrate (KNO₃); (ii) Group 2 - gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode laser (62.2 J/cm², wavelength - 980 nm, noncontact pulse mode, and power wattage - 0.5 W); (iii) Group 3 - combined 5% KNO₃ and the diode laser; and (iv) Group 4 - placebo (control). The visual analog scale (VAS) scores were recorded, analyzed, and compared to tactile stimuli, cold water, and air blast tests at different intervals for 6 weeks.

Synergistic use of 5% KNO₃ and diode laser (Group 3) significantly reduced the DH pain, which was almost negligible after 6^th week (97%-99% of the pain was reported to be relieved) and showed promising results than any other studied groups. Further, the diode laser (Group 2) showed better results than 5% KNO₃ (Group 1). One-way ANOVA and Bonferroni correction post hoc test revealed the combination of groups with significant differences in the mean VAS scores at the different interval of time (P < 0.01).

Convincingly, the combined application of 5% KNO₃ with the diode laser can be recommended for treating DH patients.