Comparative evaluation of diode laser alone and in combination with desensitizing toothpaste in occlusion of dentinal tubules - A SEM study

BACKGROUND: In regular dental practice, dentinal hypersensitivity is a common oral condition affecting the adult population. Although a variety of treatment procedures are available, there is no single method that proved to be potent in eliminating dentine hypersensitivity and providing patients with complete relief. Hence the present study performed to estimate the occlusion of dentinal tubules using a diode laser alone and in combination with various desensitizing toothpaste, using the scanning electron microscope. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This in-vitro study consisted of five groups wherein cervical cavities were prepared on the extracted teeth followed by the application of 17% EDTA. The cavities were then treated with Novamin toothpaste, pro-arginine toothpaste, diode laser, and in combinations respectively. Then SEM analysis was done and the results obtained were statistically analyzed using tukey's multiple post hoc analysis for intra and inter group comparisons. RESULTS: The groups which were treated with a combination of diode laser and the desensitizing agent showed statistically significant (P < 0.05) better dentinal tubule occlusion than other groups. CONCLUSION: The use of a diode laser has an added benefit in treating dentinal tubule occlusion when compared to desensitizing kinds of toothpaste.