Titaniumtetrafluoride for treatment of hypersensitive dentine

Dentine hypersensitivity in cervical areas and severe dentine sensitivity in teeth prepared for restorations were treated with a titaniumtetrafluoride solution. Patients included in the study complained spontaneously about the sensitivity in intact dentine surfaces. Thirty patients with at least one tooth on each side of the maxilla and/or mandible experiencing moderate or severe sensitivity in cervical areas participated. The degree of sensitivity was determined by scraping an explorer over the dentine surface and by air blast. At least one sensitive tooth on one side of the jaw was treated with titaniumtetrafluoride, and one on the contralateral side with a placebo solution. Results were recorded after one month, four, eight and twelve months, using the explorer and the air blast. A total of 102 teeth, of which 51 were controls, were treated. About 80% responded to the treatment with the titaniumtetrafluoride solution after one month and 55-84% thereafter. No response occurred in any of the placebo-treated teeth. Twenty patients with severe sensitivity in dentine of teeth prepared for crowns were also treated with the titaniumtetrafluoride solution when trying casts and crowns and before cementation. A total of 52 teeth were treated. Desensitizing effects occurred in 75% of the patients, with 36 of the 52 prepared teeth.