Efficacy of 8% arginine associated with low-level laser therapy in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity: randomized double-blind clinical trial.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the efficacy of 8% arginine-based desensitizing toothpaste and photobiomodulation (PBM), used alone or in combination, in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH).

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

This randomized, double-blind, parallel-group clinical trial included participants with DH who were allocated into four groups: laser group (LG), arginine group (AG), combined laser and arginine group (LAG), and control group (CG). Clinical assessments were performed at baseline and after 2, 4, and 8 weeks. DH was evaluated using evaporative (air stimulus) and tactile tests applied to the cervical-buccal surface of the teeth, with pain intensity recorded using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Linear mixed-effects models were used for longitudinal continuous outcomes (Schiff and VAS scores), while generalized estimating equations were applied for tactile sensitivity outcomes, adopting a significance level of 5%.

RESULTS

A total of 60 participants were enrolled, and 54 completed the study. A significant reduction in DH was observed over time for both Schiff scores and VAS values (p < 0.001). Mean Schiff scores decreased from 5.0 (± 0.8) at baseline to 1.9 (± 1.3) at 8 weeks, while VAS scores also showed significant reductions. All groups demonstrated improvement in DH symptoms; however, no statistically significant differences were observed between interventions at any time point (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

All evaluated therapies were effective in reducing DH over the 8-week follow-up period, with a progressive reduction in symptoms over time. However, no statistically significant differences were observed between the interventions, and no additive effect was identified for the combined therapy.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry ReBEC; RBR2vxzvkz, October 13th, 2023.