Evaluation of low power diode laser and desensitizer agent as treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity: A clinical study

Abstract:
Abstract: Dentin hypersensitivity is a widespread and common ailment that is both painful and difficult to treat. Dentin exposure can occur as a result of attrition, abrasion, erosion, abfraction, hypoplastic enamel, gingival recession, defective restorations, improperly formed cemento-enamel junction (CEJ), caries, tooth cracking, trauma, iatrogenic reasons, faulty tooth brushing. A total of thirty patients with age group of above 30 years complaining of hypersensitivity were selected.

Materials and methods: The research participants were divided into three groups: Group A: Teeth treated with low power diode laser irradiation. Group B: Teeth treated with Ormocer based varnish. Group C: Teeth treated with low power diode laser irradiation + Ormocer based varnish. Patients were evaluated by using different stimuli. Cotton rolls were used to isolate the specific teeth and subjected to tactile, air blast tests. Visual analog scale was used to record scores at baseline, 7^th, 14^th and 30^th day.

Results: In Group A, the mean pain scores reduced from 9.3 to 3.2 from day 1 to 30, which was noted that the differences between all possible time point pairs were statistically significant in Group A. In Group B, the mean pain scores reduced from 8.6 to 4.00 from day 1 to 30, which was noted that the differences between all possible time point pairs were statistically significant in Group B. In Group C, the mean pain scores reduced from 9.00 to 1.00 from day 1 to 30, which was noted that the differences between all possible time point pairs were statistically significant in Group C. The inter-group comparison of change in VAS scores from baseline to different time points. While there was no significant difference between the groups in the mean VAS change from baseline to Day 7, significant differences in mean VAS change from baseline to Day 14 and 30 were noted between the groups. From baseline to Day 30, Group C had the highest mean reduction in VAS score from baseline, followed by Group A and Group B. The differences between all possible pairs were statistically significant.

Conclusion: The results of the current research suggest that all three treatment modalities were effective in reducing d entinal hypersensitivity over time. However, photobiomodulation therapy in combination with ormocer based varnish application demonstrated the most substantial and statistically significant reduction in VAS scores, particularly evident at Day 14 and Day 30.