The Effect of Two Desensitizing Agents On Dentine Hypersensitivity: a Randomized, Split-mouth Clinical Trial

Introduction: Dentine hypersensitivity is a transient condition that often resolves with the natural sclerotic obturation of dentinal tubules. A potent topically-applied in-office desensitizing treatment is indicated as the choice of treatment when dentine hypersensitivity is localized to one or two teeth. The present study aimed to evaluate and compare the clinical efficiency of gluma desensitizer, and chitosan glutraldehyde hydrogel in treating dentinal hypersensitivity. Methods: 30 patients aged 18-65 years with 60 teeth with dentinal hypersensitivity in relation to canines, premolars and molars with erosion, abrasion, and gingival recession were randomly assigned to two groups: the chitosan hydrogel group and gluma group. Response to air jet and tactile stimuli were measured using a visual analogue scale initially, after the intervention, and a final assessment was done on the 15th day. The data were analysed using students paired T- test for inter group comparisons and repeated measure of ANOVA for intra group comparison at different time intervals. (P 0.05 was considered statistically significant). Results: There was a significant reduction in VAS scores from baseline to the 15th day of measurement in both the groups; results are not significant, but at different time intervals, chitosan hydrogel has also shown a significant reduction of pain perception (P 0.001). Conclusion: Both the test groups were effective in reducing dentinal hypersensitivity, although they differed in rapidity of action over the period of 15 days. As the chitosan hydrogel showing significant results, its use in commercial products can be encouraged, as it is a bio-compatible material with fewer adverse effects. Further studies can be done using chitosan hydrogel at different concentrations and techniques for better results. Keywords: Dentinal hypersensitivity, tactile stimulation, visual analogue scale, chitosan hydrogel