Assessment of tooth sensitivity using a desensitizer before light-activated bleaching

Abstract

Clinical Objective: This clinical study evaluated whether the use of a desensitizing agent (5% potassium nitrate/2% sodium fluoride) before inoffice light-activated bleaching decreased this sensitivity. Methods: Before in-office bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide gel (three applications, 15 minutes each) associated with an LED/laser unit, clinicians applied a placebo gel or the desensitizing agent on the buccal surfaces of all participants. They repeated this protocol one week later. Patients recorded their tooth sensitivity on a 0-to-4 scale. The authors used one-way repeated measures ANOVA to compare the tooth color changes and non-parametric statistics to compare the different percentages of patients with tooth sensitivity and the levels of tooth sensitivity in the different periods of time between groups (α=0.05). Results: The use of a desensitizing gel did not affect the bleaching efficacy. Eighty percent and 100% of the participants from the experimental and placebo groups, respectively, experienced tooth sensitivity (p>0.05). The intensity of sensitivity was similar immediately after bleaching for both groups (p>0.05). After 24 hours, lower sensitivity was reported in the experimental group, while most of the participants from the placebo group experienced tooth sensitivity (p<0.05).