Clinical Efficacy of Two Different Desensitizers in Reducing Postoperative Sensitivity Following Composite Restorations

Objective: The objective is to evaluate the efficacy of different desensitizing agents in the reduction of postoperative sensitivity after composite restoration. Materials and methods: Class I cavities were prepared in 39 patients by the same operator. The patients included in the study were between 20 and 45 years with vital pulp and a remaining dentin thickness of 1mm. Previously restored, nonvital and tooth with periodical changes were excluded. Patients were randomly assigned into three groups of 13 each - Group I (Control); Group II (Gluma desensitizer) and Group III (shield active desensitizer [SAD]). After the surface treatment, the teeth were restored with composite. The patients were assessed for postoperative sensitivity at 24 hours and one week with a visual analog scale (VAS). Statistical Analysis: Data were analyzed using SPSS v23 software. Data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and post-hoc Tukey test. Results: Gluma and SAD on comparison with control group i.e. composite group showed statistical significance difference at day 1 (P-value 0.003), but on comparing the sensitivity after one week, there is no significant difference in sensitivity score between all three groups (P-value 0.073). There was no statistically significant difference between day 1 and one week when comparing Gluma desensitizer and SAD. Conclusion: The application of the desensitizer led to a statistically significant reduction in postoperative sensitivity on day 1 and a clinically significant reduction was observed at one week.