Evaluation Of Various Desensitizing Agents In Reducing Dentin Hypersensitivity Using Scanning Electron Microscope: A Comparative In Vitro Study.

Background Dentine hypersensitivity is a common complaint among patients. The acute, non-spontaneous, short or long lasting nature of pain requires a therapeutic mode which would bring about a significant immediate and lasting relief from dentine hypersensitivity. This study compares the efficacy of Diode Laser and desensitizing toothpastes containing Calcium Sodium Phosphosilicate, Pro-Argin and Hydroxyapatite in occluding dentinal tubules using Scanning electron microscopy. Method A total of 25 dentin blocks were obtained from the roots of the single rooted teeth within one month of their extraction and randomly divided into five groups comprising of four test groups and one control group. The dentin blocks were treated with their respective agents and immersed in synthetic saliva for a period of 7 days. The dentin blocks were evaluated using SEM by previously trained examiners. Results All groups showed an increase in the percentage of tubular occlusion at 0, 24, 72, 120and 168 hours. However Calcium Sodium Phosphosilicate showed a significantly greater (p<0.0001) percentage of tubular occlusion as compared to the other groups after seven days. Conclusion All the experimental agents were effective in occluding dentinal tubules as compared to the control group. The percentage (%) of occluded tubules was found to be highest for Calcium Sodium Phosphosilicate as compared to the other groups over a period of 7 days. However further long term studies more studies are required to come to a conclusion.