Comparative Assessment of Ibuprofen-Arginine and Potassium Nitrate-Fluoride Gels for Reducing Post-Bleaching Dentin...

To compare the effectiveness of ibuprofen with arginine gel and potassium nitrate with sodium fluoride in reducing post-bleaching dentin hypersensitivity and to assess their effect on tooth color.

A randomized, double-blind, split-mouth clinical trial was conducted with 30 participants presenting a complete anterior dentition and tooth shade A2 or darker. Each hemi-arch received one of the desensitizing protocols: 5% ibuprofen + 10% arginine gel (IAG) or 5% potassium nitrate + 2% sodium fluoride (PN). Dentin hypersensitivity was assessed during bleaching and at 1, 24, 48 h, and 7 days post-treatment using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Tooth color was evaluated before and 7 days after bleaching with the Vitapan Classical scale, and the color difference was calculated (ΔSGU and ΔE). Data were analyzed using nonparametric tests (paired Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney), with a significance level of 5%.

Both protocols significantly reduced dentin hypersensitivity during and after bleaching, with no statistically significant differences between groups. Color analysis revealed no intra- or intergroup differences, confirming that bleaching efficacy was not affected by either agent. The ibuprofen-arginine gel demonstrated a 79.2% lower cost compared to PN while maintaining equivalent clinical performance.

Ibuprofen-arginine gel and potassium nitrate with sodium fluoride proved equally effective in managing post-bleaching dentin hypersensitivity without compromising esthetic outcomes. The combination of ibuprofen and arginine represents a safe, cost-effective, and efficient alternative, offering clinical benefits and expanding therapeutic options for dental practitioners in daily practice.