A comparative evaluation of propolis and 5.0% potassium nitrate as a dentine desensitizer: A clinical study

AIM: The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the efficacy of saturated ethanolic solution of Propolis for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Ten patients aged 20-40 years with 156 hypersensitive teeth were selected for a 3-month study. Each patient was subjected to treatment with saturated ethanolic solution of Propolis, 5% potassium nitrate and distilled water. The patients were recalled at seventh day, 2 weeks and 4 weeks for the application of the agent and re-evaluation. The final re-evaluation of the patients was done after 3 months from the first application. The responses of the patients to the test temperatures were converted to a ranking and data was statistically analyzed. A statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and Bonferroni test and Tukey HSD test for multicomparison. RESULTS: The results between the Propolis group and the potassium nitrate group showed no significant difference in the immediate post-treatment period; however, the results were significant at the end of first week and second week. At 4 weeks and 3 months period, a comparison between the groups again showed no significant difference. CONCLUSION: It was concluded that Propolis was more effective than 5% potassium nitrate in relieving dentinal hypersensitivity and had an immediate and sustained effect.