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Evaluation of Tooth Sensitivity of In-office Bleaching with Different Light Activation Sources: A Systematic Review
B M Moran1, P K Ziegelmann2, S B Berger3
1*Bianca M Maran, DDS, MS, PhD, professor, Department of Restorative Dentistry, School of Dentistry, State University of Western Paraná, Cascavel, Paraná, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Dentistry, School of Dentistry, University of North Paraná, Londrina, Paraná, Brazil.
Light activation systems for in-office bleaching do not significantly impact tooth sensitivity (TS) risk or intensity. This systematic review found no evidence to support differences among various light activation methods for dental bleaching procedures.
Area of Science:
- Dental materials science
- Evidence-based dentistry
- Clinical research methodology
Background:
- Tooth sensitivity (TS) is a common concern during in-office dental bleaching.
- Various light activation systems are used to enhance bleaching efficacy.
- Understanding the impact of these systems on TS is crucial for patient comfort and treatment planning.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and perform a network meta-analysis comparing eight light activation systems for in-office bleaching.
- To determine if differences exist in the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity among these systems in adults.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review and random-effects Bayesian mixed treatment comparison (MTC) model.
- Inclusion of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing at least two light activation systems.
- Risk of bias (RoB) and GRADE certainty of evidence assessments.
Main Results:
- Thirty-two studies were included in the analysis.
- Network meta-analysis revealed no significant differences in tooth sensitivity among the evaluated light activation systems.
- Certainty of evidence was generally low due to unclear RoB and imprecision.
Conclusions:
- Current evidence does not support a link between specific light activation systems and the risk or intensity of tooth sensitivity during in-office bleaching.
- Further high-quality research is needed to definitively assess the impact of light activation on bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity.
