A TRIPLE-BLIND RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL COMPARING THE EFFICACY OF A DESENSITIZING AGENT USED WITH AN AT-HOME BLEACHING TECHNIQUE

Abstract

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine whether a sustained-release desensitizing gel containing 3% potassium nitrate and 0.11% fluoride ion reduces the risk of tooth sensitivity without compromising the effectiveness of bleaching treatment.

Methods

Thirty-two patients were randomly assigned to 2 experimental groups: desensitizing gel and placebo. The desensitizing gel or placebo was applied for 30 minutes prior to the at-home vital bleaching gel application. A nightguard dental bleaching treatment (NGVB) using a 16% carbamide peroxide gel was performed for 6 hours over a 3-week period. Patients recorded their tooth sensitivity daily using a 5-point Numeric Rating Scale (NRS). Whiteness index measurements were obtained using a dental spectrophotometer on the upper canines (right and left).

Results

The overall risk of sensitivity was 37.5% in the desensitizing gel group compared to 87.5% in the placebo group, yielding a relative risk of 0.42 (95% CI 0.22-0.82), showing a statistically significant difference between the groups (P < .05). During the first week, patients in the placebo group exhibited a higher risk of experiencing mild sensitivity. However, no statistically significant differences in sensitivity intensity were observed overall or during the second and third weeks (P > .05). Regarding color change, the mean difference between groups in the first week was 5.25 (-0.22 to 10.71), in the second week 4.25 (-2.56 to 11.02), and in the third week 2.55(-4.11 to 9.22). No statistically significant differences were found between the groups at any time point (P > .05).

Conclusions

The use of a sustained-release desensitizing gel containing 3% potassium nitrate and 0.11% fluoride ion for 30 minutes prior to the bleaching agent effectively reduced sensitivity during at-home bleaching procedures. Furthermore, the desensitizing gel did not impact the effectiveness of the at-home bleaching treatment.