Effectiveness of Self-etching Adhesive Only Versus in Combination with Gluma Desensitizer for Preventing...

An increase in the incidence of postoperative sensitivity following composite restorations has become an everyday clinical problem. The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical effectiveness of a self-etching adhesive in combination with a dentin desensitizer (Gluma desensitizer), to a self-etching adhesive only, in preventing post-composite sensitivity immediately and over 30 days following a single topical application.

This clinical trial included 112 patients (206 teeth), who were randomized to receive self-etching adhesive in combination with Gluma desensitizer or a self-etching adhesive only. The included teeth were tested for tactile, air blast and cold stimuli, following which patients were asked to rate their sensitivity on an 11-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). The subjects were then assessed for post-composite sensitivity immediately after, as well as 1 week and 1 month following the treatment. Descriptive statistics were compared using t-test and Chi-square test. Intergroup comparisons of change in NRS scores to various stimuli were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test.

The baseline comparison of NRS scores to air, water and tactile stimuli did not reveal any statistically significant differences. The change in NRS scores post air blast, 1 week and 1 month, after the treatment for sensitivity, was observed to be significantly higher in the Gluma group compared to self-etching adhesive (P = 0.001).

Subjects belonging to the Gluma desensitizer group reported a statistically significant reduction in postoperative sensitivity to air blast stimuli, following composite restoration, at both 1 week and 1 month follow-up.