Effectiveness of fluoride varnish, diode laser, and their combination in treatment of dentin hypersensitivity: A randomized split-mouth clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Dentin hypersensitivity is a common dental problem with no permanent cure and predictable prognosis. AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of fluoride varnish (sodium fluoride [NaF]), diode laser, and the combination of NaF and diode laser in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a randomized split-mouth clinical trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixty patients aged 20–60 years suffering from dentin hypersensitivity to air-blast, cold, and tactile stimulation corresponding to 4 cm and above on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) in three quadrants with at least two hypersensitive teeth per quadrant were selected. Hypersensitive teeth were allotted to Group 1 – 5% NaF varnish application alone, Group 2 – 810-nm gallium–aluminum–arsenide laser (GaAlAs) diode laser (0.5 W) irradiation alone, and Group 3 – NaF varnish application, followed by diode laser irradiation. VAS score was recorded at baseline, 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. RESULTS: A statistically significant reduction in dentin hypersensitivity was observed in all the three groups, from the baseline to the 1(st)-, 3(rd)-, and 6(th)-month follow-ups (P < 0.05). Group 2 and Group 3 demonstrated a significantly higher reduction (P < 0.05) in dentin hypersensitivity for all the stimuli as opposed to Group 1 at all follow-up intervals. However, no statistically significant difference (P > 0.05) was present between Group 2 and Group 3 at all follow-ups. CONCLUSION: Diode laser is significantly more effective than fluoride varnish alone in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity over a period of 6 months.