Comparative Clinical Evaluation Of Two In-Office Desensitizing Agents In Reducing Dentin Hypersensitivity- A Randomised Split Mouth Clinical Trial

Abstract

Background: Dentin hypersensitivity triggers sharp pain; in-office desensitizers provide rapid relief by occluding dentinal tubules or blocking nerve response.

Aim: To assess the efficiency of 2 in-office desensitising agents in alleviating mild to moderate dentin sensitivity in patients, with follow-up evaluations conducted after one month.

Materials and Methods: The study included forty participants diagnosed with cervical dentinal hypersensitivity. Each participant in a split-mouth randomized clinical trial was exposed to both thermal and evaporative (air-blast) stimuli in order to produce pain, which was assessed using the Schiff Scale during the baseline visit. Two in-office desensitising agents, Shield Force Plus (Tokuyama Dental, Japan) and MI Varnish (GC Dental, India), were applied. Following the application, the responses were assessed immediately, as well as one week and one month later, using the same stimuli and the order of administration as the baseline assessment. 

Results: The average Schiff scores indicated greater sensitivity to cold stimuli compared to blasts of air in both groups. Shield Force Plus consistently showed significantly lower mean Schiff scores than MI Varnish at all time intervals, except at baseline. Post hoc analysis revealed significant reductions in Schiff scores for Shield Force Plus from baseline onward (P < 0.001), except between the immediate and one-week intervals, where no significant change was observed.

Conclusion: Shield Force Plus varnish is more effective than MI Varnish at all time points, regardless of the type of stimulus, in relieving dentin hypersensitivity both immediately and after a 1-month follow-up.