Premium
An In Vivo Study of Dentin Sensitivity: The Relation of Dentin Sensitivity and the Patency of Dentin Tubules
Author(s) -
Cuenin Michael F.,
Scheidt Michael J.,
O'Neal Robert B.,
Strong Scott L.,
Pashley David H.,
Horner Jack A.,
Van Dyke Thomas E.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
journal of periodontology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.036
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1943-3670
pISSN - 0022-3492
DOI - 10.1902/jop.1991.62.11.668
Subject(s) - dentin hypersensitivity , dentin , dentistry , oxalate , air blast , tooth sensitivity , smear layer , molar , in vivo , dentinal tubule , chemistry , biomedical engineering , materials science , nuclear chemistry , medicine , inorganic chemistry , mining engineering , microbiology and biotechnology , engineering , biology
D entin hypersensitivity can be a major problem for periodontal patients. The relationship between dentin hypersensitivity and the patency of dentin tubules in vivo has been established. Thirteen adult patients with teeth scheduled for extraction were selected and a stent fabricated to confirm location of the root surface being examined. Response to a constant air blast was recorded on a numeric pain rating scale (from 0 to 4) during the course of treatment. The tooth surface was initially treated with 0.5 molar EDTA ( p H = 7.4), to remove the smear layer and expose tubules. The region was then treated with either a 3% monopotassium‐monohydrogen Oxalate solution or a 3% sodium chloride solution, both at pH = 2.4. Solutions were prepared to be indistinguishable to the examiner. Response to air was evaluated before and after EDTA treatment and after treatment with a desensitizing agent. The patient was anesthetized and the treated tooth extracted. Specimens were sectioned, critical point dried, sputter coated with gold, and examined under the scanning electron microscope. Photomicrographs were analyzed by computer assisted digital analysis to evaluate the degree of tubule occlusion. Statistical analysis by repeated measures ANOVA for univariate tests of hypothesis for within subject effects showed the sodium chloride solution was more effective in reducing dentin sensitivity than the potassium Oxalate solution. Scanning electron micrographic analysis revealed a mean dentin tubule aperture size of 1.720 square μm following EDTA treatment alone, 0.564 square μm following potassium Oxalate treatment, and 0.386 square μm following sodium chloride treatment. The data suggest that low p H NaCl solution may be an effective adjunct to the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity in post‐periodontal surgery or recession patients. J Periodontol 1991; 62:668–673.