Comparative evaluation of dentinal tubule occlusion by desensitizing agents after tooth bleaching: an in vitro study

: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of three commercially available desensitizing agents in occluding dentinal tubules, which may help reduce tooth sensitivity following a bleaching treatment.

Twenty healthy human third molars were utilized in this investigation. The samples were prepared by transversely sectioning 2.5 mm of the crowns to expose the dentin. They were initially treated with 15% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid gel for 4 minutes, followed by application of Perfect Bleach (VOCO GmbH) bleaching agent (16% carbamide peroxide) for 2 hours. The samples were randomly allocated into four groups (n = 5), each receiving one of the following treatments: group 1: No treatment (control), group 2: treated with UltraEZ (Ultradent Products Inc.,), containing potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride, group 3: treated with Perfect Protect (VOCO GmbH), also containing potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride and group 4: treated with TheraSol Whitening & Sensitive (ABC Kinitron IKE), containing strontium acetate and sodium monofluorophosphate. Subsequently, the specimens were examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy to evaluate dentin tubule occlusion.

SEM observations showed no occlusion of dentin tubules in the control group, whereas groups 2 to 4 exhibited significant occlusion. The most effective treatment was Perfect Protect (p < 0.05), while UltraEZ and TheraSol Whitening & Sensitive demonstrated similar effectiveness, with no statistically significant difference between them (p > 0.05).

The tested desensitizing agents effectively occluded dentin tubules to a considerable extent. Differences in their effectiveness were attributed to variations in their formulations.