Aim: This study aims to investigate the effect of a calcium
phosphate-based desensitizer paste on reduction of dentin
hypersensitivity (DH).
Materials and methods: This crossover study was designed as
randomized, double-blinded, and placebo-controlled trial. Teethmate
AP paste (TAP), containing tetracalcium phosphate (TTCP)
and dicalcium phosphate anhydrous (DCPA) dispersed in a
glycerol/polyethylene glycol paste, was compared with placebo
(PLA), a calcium phosphate-free analog paste. A total of
45 patients with one hypersensitive cervical lesion in each of two
contralateral quadrants were allocated to the trial when baseline
sensitivity (pretreatment sensitivity score, PRE) on air-blast (AB)
stimulation and probe scratching (PS) measured on a visual
analog scale (VAS; 0–10) was ≥6. Patients were recalled after
1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, and 6 months. One-way analysis of variance
(ANOVA), Tukey’s post hoc test, and pairwise comparisons
between TAP and PLA were conducted at all time points (α < 0.05).
Results: Both treatments reduced DH significantly during the
6-month course. Immediately after treatment (posttreatment
sensitivity score, POST), TAP sensitivity on AB was reduced
to 63%, after 6 months to 39% of the PRE score, and PS to 60
and 54% respectively. Application of PLA reduced AB sensitivity
at POST and 6 months to 79 and 60%, and on PS stimulation
to 79 and 67% respectively. At all time points, TAP and PLA
were significantly different (p < 0.05).
Conclusion: Teethmate AP paste is a biocompatible and
effective desensitizing agent when used for the treatment of
moderately severe DH.
Clinical significance: Calcium phosphate-based desensitizers
are one of the most effective desensitizing agents and are
expected to play an important role in the treatment of DH.
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