Polymeric sealing of dentinal tubules to control sensitivity: preliminary observations

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a hydrophilic dentin primer to eliminate dentinal hypersensitivity to thermal stimuli. Eight patients enrolled in the study, with a total of 42 teeth having cervical sensitivity caused by erosion, abrasion, or periodontal therapy. All teeth were sensitive to cold air and tactile exploration. All test sites were rinsed with water, air-dried, and rubbed with a moist cotton pledget. Several coats of a dentin primer, consisting of N-tolylglycine-glycidyl methacrylate and bisphenyl dimethacrylate, were then applied with a brush to the exposed dentin and light-cured. All patients reported a complete absence of pain when the sites were retested with thermal stimuli immediately after treatment. After a 9-month period, seven patients remained symptomless, and one patient indicated slight sensitivity to ice. It was concluded that a single application of a hydrophilic dentin primer is highly effective in reducing or eliminating dentinal hypersensitivity to thermal stimuli for at least 9 months.