A comparative evaluation of propolis and 5.0% potassium nitrate as a dentine desensitizer: A clinical study.

AIM

The purpose of this clinical study was to evaluate the efficacy of saturated ethanolic solution of Propolis for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ten patients aged 20-40 years with 156 hypersensitive teeth were selected for a 3-month study. Each patient was subjected to treatment with saturated ethanolic solution of Propolis, 5% potassium nitrate and distilled water. The patients were recalled at seventh day, 2 weeks and 4 weeks for the application of the agent and re-evaluation. The final re-evaluation of the patients was done after 3 months from the first application. The responses of the patients to the test temperatures were converted to a ranking and data was statistically analyzed. A statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and Bonferroni test and Tukey HSD test for multicomparison.

RESULTS

The results between the Propolis group and the potassium nitrate group showed no significant difference in the immediate post-treatment period; however, the results were significant at the end of first week and second week. At 4 weeks and 3 months period, a comparison between the groups again showed no significant difference.

CONCLUSION

It was concluded that Propolis was more effective than 5% potassium nitrate in relieving dentinal hypersensitivity and had an immediate and sustained effect.