Bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity with application of a desensitizing gel before and after in-office bleaching: a...

This randomized triple-blind clinical trial, split-mouth design, evaluated the application effect of the desensitizing gel before and after in-office bleaching on tooth sensitivity.

In one group, the desensitizing gel was applied for 10 min before the bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide, and then application of placebo gel after (n = 90). In the other group, the desensitizing gel was applied before and after the bleaching procedure for 10 min (n = 90). The primary outcome was pain intensity assessed with a numeric rating scale and a visual analog scale. Color was evaluated by means of a digital spectrophotometer and a shade guides.

The proportion of patients that experienced pain in the side of before application was 90% (95% CI 82 to 94.6%), while the side of before and after was 93% (95% CI 86.2 to 96.9%), without significant difference between groups (OR = 0.25; 95% CI 0.005 to 2.52; p = 0.37). Pain was correlated in both groups, for the NRS scale (p < 0.0001) and the VAS scale (p < 0.0001) in all assessment periods. Significant whitening was detected, and no significant difference of color change was observed between groups (p > 0.45).

The application of the desensitizing agent did not influence the effectiveness of bleaching, but it was not efficient in reducing the sensitivity, when applied before the procedure, or before and after.

The use of a desensitizing gel before or after in-office bleaching does not reduce incidence or intensity of tooth sensitivity.