Clinical evaluation of a resin-modified glass-ionomer liner for cervical dentin hypersensitivity treatment.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the effectiveness of two agents for treating cervical dentin sensitivity associated with gingival recession or noncarious cervical lesions.

METHODS

44 patients with at least mild sensitivity affecting cervical dentin were enrolled in a longitudinal randomized clinical trial. A resin-based desensitizer or an experimental glass-ionomer was assigned to treat at most two teeth from each side of the mouth. Sensitivity was assessed by tactile and cold tests, measured with a Visual Analogue Scale at baseline, after treatment, and at 1 week, 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Other noteworthy clinical observations were recorded.

RESULTS

Both treatments effectively reduced dentin sensitivity (mixed linear model analysis). Sensitivity score for the glass-ionomer was significantly lower than for the resin-based desensitizer after treatment and at all follow-up periods (P < 0.0001). Some overhanging margins were observed in the glass-ionomer group, which could accumulate plaque and cause gingivitis. Despite material loss from some teeth treated with the glass-ionomer, the follow-up sensitivity scores were still lower than baseline scores.