Effect of two desensitizing agents on dentin hypersensitivity: A randomized split-mouth clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Clinical research is important to evaluate the effect of desensitizing agents. AIMS: This randomized clinical trial evaluated the immediate and 1 week desensitizing effect of two desensitizing agents Uno Topical Gel and Profluorid. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirtyfive patients with teeth presenting with dentin hypersensitivity were included in this clinical trial. Each quadrant in a patient was randomly assigned to one of two groups: Uno Topical Gel or Profluorid Varnish. A VAS score was used to assess tooth sensitivity at baseline, immediately after application of desensitizer and after 1 week. Additionally, 30 dentin discs were prepared, divided into Group 1(Control Group), Group 2 (Profluorid Varnish) and Group 3 (Uno Topical Gel) and examined using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) after 1hour and 24 hours to evaluate tubule occlusion. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Clinical data were analysed using Friedman's test and Mann – Whitney U test. SEM data was analysed using Student's 2-sample t-test. RESULTS: Uno group was significantly better to evaporative stimuli immediately (P=0.01) after application. After 1 week, Uno group was significantly better to tactile (P=0.000) and evaporative (P=0.000) stimuli than Profluorid. SEM images showed that 1 hour after application, Uno and Profluorid demonstrated more than 90% and 80% dentin tubule occlusion respectively. At 24 hours, Uno and Profluorid demonstrated more than 50% and 60% dentin tubule occlusion respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Uno Topical Gel was significantly better than Profluorid in reducing pain of dentin hypersensitivity due to tactile and evaporative stimuli after 1 week.