A Comparative Evaluation of Efficacy of BioMin F and Propolis Containing Toothpastes on Dentinal Tubule Occlusion with and Without Use of an Adjunct 810 nm Diode Laser: An In vitro Scanning Electron Microscope Study

INTRODUCTION: Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a common chronic condition that affects a high proportion of the adult population and is one of the main reasons why patients seek dental opinion and treatment. Despite considerable success in reducing DH, unfortunately, most of the present methods can provide only temporary and unpredictable desensitization. Therefore, new treatment methods that are effective for long periods and at the same time do not have the complications are needed. Recently, two new desensitizing agents BioMin F and Propolis have been introduced for the treatment of DH. AIM: The aim of the study was to compare and evaluate the efficacy of BioMin F and Propolis containing toothpastes on dentinal tubule occlusion with and without the use of an adjunct 810 nm Diode Laser. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty-five freshly extracted teeth were taken out of which thirty were sectioned into halves and divided into four test groups BioMin F, Propolis, BioMin F + Laser, and Propolis + Laser and control group. All the specimens were treated twice a day for 7 days and then evaluated under scanning electron microscope for partial and complete dentinal tubule occlusion. RESULTS: A significantly higher number of completely occluded tubules were seen in BioMin F + laser group followed by Propolis + laser, Biomin F, and Propolis. CONCLUSION: Combination approach of desensitizing agent and laser provided a better result than the desensitizing agent alone and when compared individually Biomin F was more effective desensitizer as compared to Propolis.