Comparative evaluation of treatment of noncarious cervical hypersensitivity by a fluoride varnish, a dentin bonding agent, and Er, Cr:YSGG laser: An in vivo study

CONTEXT: Dentin hypersensitivity is one of the most common dental problems encountered regularly. This commonly appearing condition is quite difficult to treat satisfactorily, and so, a large number of techniques and therapeutic alternatives constantly are being proposed to relieve it. However, till date, the search for an ideal agent is on. Various laser systems have been discussed as a new treatment option for dentin hypersensitivity. Researchers are claiming good prognosis with lasers. Treatment with soft tissue lasers is being practiced for some time and is well documented. However, the use of Er, Cr:YSGG laser for desensitization purpose is new, and the available data on clinical outcome are limited. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to test and compare the efficacy of a fluoride varnish, a dentin bonding agent, and Er, Cr: YSGG laser in treating noncarious cervical hypersensitivity, in vivo. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Fifty patients aged between 25 and 55 years complaining of dentinal hypersensitivity who reported to the Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, Dr. R. Ahmed Dental College and Hospital, Kolkata, participated in this study. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Sensitive teeth in each patient were randomly divided into three treatment groups: Group 1 treated with fluoride varnish. Group 2 treated with dentin bonding agent. Group 3 treated with Er, Cr: YSGG laser. Hypersensitivity assessment was done pretreatment, immediately posttreatment, and 1 day, 1, 2, 3, and 4 weeks postoperatively. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: The data obtained were tabulated and subjected to statistical analysis using the paired and unpaired t-test. RESULTS: In all the treatment groups, there was significant decrease in mean hypersensitivity scores from pretreatment values after 4 weeks. The posttreatment hypersensitivity scores of Group 3 were minimum for all three test stimuli followed by Group 2 and Group 1, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: All the three treatment agents, namely fluoride varnish, dentin bonding agent, and Er, Cr:YSGG laser, were effective in treating dentin hypersensitivity. Least recurrence in hypersensitivity occurred in the laser-treated group. Even where recurrences did occur, hypersensitivity did not return to pretreatment value and occurred more in those cases exhibiting high pretreatment sensitivity.