Long-term clinical efficacy of dentin desensitizing agents: A systematic review and meta-analysis

To evaluate the long-term clinical efficacy of dentin desensitizing agents with mechanisms of action by tubular occlusion, neural effect or both, for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH).

Following electronic databases: Pubmed (MEDLINE), Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Embase, Scopus, Web of Science and Virtual Health Library Portal (Lilacs, BBO), last search date: January, 2025. This review followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020210693). The included studies were published between 1991 and 2024, with a total of 22 studies included in the systematic review, 15 of which were also included in the meta-analysis.

Adult with dentin hypersensitivity undergoing treatment with desensitizing agents through randomized clinical trials with a minimum follow-up of 6 months. Meta-analyses based on pain intensity elicited by evaporative, cold, or tactile stimuli were analyzed using bias-corrected standardised mean change (SMC) with a 95 % confidence interval.

Meta-analyses of sensory stimuli demonstrated significant reductions in pain scores with several desensitizing agents. Glutaraldehyde and low-level laser therapies achieved the largest effect sizes. In contrast, adhesive systems and calcium phosphate-based agents did not show statistically significant benefits.

This study supports clinical decision-making in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity, highlighting glutaraldehyde and low-level laser therapies as effective options for long-term pain reduction. In contrast, adhesive systems and calcium phosphate-based agents have limited evidence, highlighting the need for cautious therapeutic selection.