Efficacy and Durability of Two Desensitizing Agents on Dentinal Tubule Occlusion: An In Vitro Study.

BACKGROUND

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a common condition caused by exposed dentinal tubules, often requiring treatment with desensitizing agents. This in vitro study conducted at Narayana Dental College and Hospital (Nellore, AP, IND) between January 2022 and March 2022, aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of two desensitizing agents, SDI Riva Star (SDI Ltd., Bayswater, VIC, AUS) and Gluma Desensitizer (Kulzer, Hanau, DEU) in occluding dentinal tubules and their long-term durability following simulated brushing.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty maxillary premolar specimens were sectioned and treated with 17% ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) to expose dentinal tubules. They were divided into three groups: (I) a control group, (II) SDI Riva Star, and (III) Gluma Desensitizer. Tubule occlusion was assessed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) immediately after application and after one month of brushing.

RESULTS

Both test agents occluded the dentinal tubules effectively (SEM score 1), with no significant difference between SDI Riva Star and Gluma Desensitizer immediately post-application. However, after 30 days of brushing, SDI Riva Star demonstrated superior durability, with significantly better occlusion scores than Gluma Desensitizer (p<0.01).

CONCLUSION

Both SDI Riva Star and Gluma Desensitizer were effective in occluding dentinal tubules, but SDI Riva Star showed greater durability over time, making it a more effective option for long-term desensitization.