Effect of bioactive glass paste on efficacy and post-operative sensitivity associated with at-home bleaching using 20% carbamide peroxide: a randomized controlled clinical trial

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bioactive glass (BAG) 45S5 paste on colour change and tooth sensitivity (TS) when used in combination with 20% carbamide peroxide (CP) during at-home vital tooth bleaching. METHODS: Twenty-four patients were selected and assigned into two experimental groups (n = 12) in a double-blind study design. Each patient received 20% CP followed by the application of either BAG paste or non-active placebo paste. The shade evaluation was performed using a digital spectrophotometer based on the CIE L*a*b* colour space system at different time points and the overall colour changes ΔE were calculated. TS was evaluated using visual analogue scale (VAS). The values of ΔE and TS were statistically analysed using paired t-test. The level of statistical significance was established at p = 0.05. RESULTS: The overall colour changes (ΔE) between baseline and each time point showed no significant differences between BAG and placebo groups (p > 0.05). The use of BAG paste significantly decreased TS reported by the participants. CONCLUSIONS: The association of BAG paste with at-home bleaching treatment presents a promising method as it decreased TS and did not deteriorate bleaching efficacy. Trial registration This study was approved and registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) under Registration number: ACTRN12621001334897.