THE ROLE OF CALCIUM PHOSPHATE-BASED MATERIALS IN TREATING DENTIN HYPERSENSITIVITY: A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL
Abstract
Background: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a common dental condition causing sharp, transient pain in response to thermal, tactile, or chemical stimuli. Effective management of DH is important to improve patient comfort and oral hygiene. Calcium phosphate-based materials have emerged as potential desensitizing agents, but comparative evidence with traditional fluoride varnish is limited.
Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of calcium phosphate-based materials in reducing dentin hypersensitivity in adults with non-carious cervical lesions and post-periodontal therapy root exposure, compared with fluoride varnish and placebo.
Study Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Methods: This randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Department of Periodontology and the Department of Operative Dentistry of a tertiary hospital in Sindh, Pakistan. Ninety participants aged 20–60 years with DH were randomly assigned to one of three groups: calcium phosphate (n=30), fluoride varnish (n=30), or placebo (n=30). Interventions were applied once at baseline. Pain intensity was assessed at baseline, 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months using Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale. Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, one-way ANOVA, and post-hoc comparisons.
Results: Calcium phosphate-treated participants showed the most significant reduction in hypersensitivity. Mean VAS scores decreased from 6.8 ± 1.2 at baseline to 2.1 ± 0.9 at 3 months, compared with 6.7 ± 1.3 to 3.5 ± 1.1 in the fluoride group and 6.9 ± 1.1 to 5.8 ± 1.0 in the placebo group (p<0.001). Schiff scores demonstrated similar trends, with the calcium phosphate group decreasing from 2.3 ± 0.5 to 0.8 ± 0.4. Both subgroups—non-carious cervical lesions and post-periodontal therapy—benefited, though reduction was slightly higher in non-carious lesions. Minimal transient adverse effects were reported.
Conclusions: Calcium phosphate-based materials are safe, effective, and superior to fluoride varnish and placebo for managing dentin hypersensitivity across different etiologies. They provide rapid and sustained relief, making them a valuable option for both restorative and periodontal clinical practice.
Keywords
- Dentin hypersensitivity, calcium phosphate, fluoride varnish, randomized controlled trial, Visual Analog Scale, Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity, non-carious cervical lesions, post-periodontal therapy, tubule occlusion, desensitizing agents
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