Effect of different material protocols on the control of dentin hypersensitivity: a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy of three desensitizing protocols for dentin hypersensitivity (DH) pain control and their impact on oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) up to 180 days. MATERIALS AND

METHODS

In this randomized controlled split-mouth clinical trial, 33 participants (99 teeth) were randomized and treated; 31 participants (93 teeth) were analyzed (mITT). Participants received three protocols: GLU: 3% potassium nitrate + glutaraldehyde/HEMA desensitizer (control); GAS: 3% potassium nitrate + glutaraldehyde/HEMA desensitizer + universal adhesive; and GAR: 3% potassium nitrate + glutaraldehyde/HEMA desensitizer + universal adhesive + bulk-fill flowable resin. Pain intensity was recorded using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS; 0–10) after standardized air-blast and tactile stimuli at baseline, immediately after intervention, and at 7, 30, 90, and 180 days. OHRQoL was assessed using OHIP-14 at baseline, 90, and 180 days.

RESULTS

NRS scores decreased over time for both stimuli (air-blast: p < 0.001; tactile: p < 0.001). No differences were observed among protocols (air-blast: p = 0.910; tactile: p = 0.681) and no time × protocol interaction was detected (air-blast: p = 0.341; tactile: p = 0.738). OHIP-14 scores improved at 90 and 180 days versus baseline (p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The three protocols produced comparable patient-centered outcomes, indicating that adding adhesive and resin steps to potassium nitrate + glutaraldehyde/HEMA does not enhance DH pain control or OHRQoL up to 180 days. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increasing complexity with adhesive and resin steps was not associated with superior patient-centered outcomes within 180 days. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: RBR-109h3wcv.