An experimental bleaching gel containing a nanocomposite reduces the intensity of postoperative tooth sensitivity: A...

To evaluate the effects of incorporating a hydroxyapatite-capsaicin nanocomposite (HAp-CAP) into a 35 % hydrogen peroxide (HP) experimental bleaching gel on tooth sensitivity (TS) risk and intensity, bleaching effectiveness (BE), and patient satisfaction.

In a split-mouth, triple-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial, 54 participants received dental bleaching with two bleaching gels: 35 % HP+HAp-CAp, or 35 % HP alone (1 × 50 min; one-week interval). TS was recorded immediately, and at 1, 24, and 48 h post-bleaching using a 0-10 visual analogue scale (VAS). Color was evaluated before bleaching, one week after each session, and one month after treatment (ΔSGUs, ΔE_ab, ΔE₀₀, and WI_D). Patient satisfaction was recorded by a 0-10 VAS. TS was evaluated by McNemar's test and paired t-test. BE and patient satisfaction between groups were compared using paired t-test (α = 0.05).

87 % of participants experienced discomfort, regardless of the study group. The TS intensity differed between groups at all assessment times, favoring 35 % HP+HAp-CAp (p < 0.05). Significant BE occurred in all groups, with no significant difference between them (p > 0.05 for ΔSGUs, ΔE_ab, ΔE₀₀, and WI_D). Patient satisfaction was high for both groups, without difference between them (p = 0.62).

The 35 % HP+HAp-CAP bleaching gel did not reduce the risk but reduced the intensity of TS and did not affect BE.

The addition of a hydroxyapatite-capsaicin nanocomposite to in-office bleaching gels reduced the tooth sensitivity intensity without compromising bleaching effectiveness.