Effectiveness of an in-office calcium-phosphate-based desensitizer: A six-month randomized-controlled trial and a SEM study of in-vivo treated teeth

Aim: The aim of this single-centre, triple-blind, randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of an in-office desensitizing agent containing tetracalcium phosphate and dicalcium phosphate anhydrous in providing relief for dentin hypersensitivity vs 5% fluoride varnish during a six-month follow-up period. Occlusion of dentinal tubules after in-vivo treatment was also evaluated via SEM analysis. Materials and Methods: Seventy-five patients suffering from dentin hypersensitivity (DH) were randomly allocated to a treatment with one of three desensitizing agents: tetracalcium phosphate and dicalcium phosphate anhydrous powder mixed with the liquid solution provided by the manufacturer, or the same powder mixed with saline solution, or 5% fluoride varnish. Air-blast hypersensitivity was assessed after 15, 90, and 180 days, using both Schiff and Visual Analogue (VAS) scales at baseline. Twenty-five teeth from 5 subjects with exposed dentin were previously planned and chelated with EDTA, then either treated with one of the investigated agents or not treated at all. After two weeks, the teeth were extracted and analysed via SEM. Results: No significant differences due to treatment factors were found (p = 0,535), while a significant time-related effect (p = 0,000) was observed. All treatments could progressively reduce pain perception at each follow-up time point. SEM analysis has shown partial or total occlusion of the dentinal tubules in all treatments. No occlusion was seen in nontreated teeth. Conclusion: The tested treatments could reduce DH, and such effect increases as time passes. DH reduction is still present six months after treatment.