Dentine Hypersensitivity

Abstract

Dentine hypersensitivity is a common oral complaint, affecting the teeth of many individuals. The aetiology is multifactorial; however, over recent years the role of erosion has become more and more important. For dentine hypersensitivity to occur, the lesion must first be localised on the tooth surface and then initiated to exposed dentine tubules which are patent to the pulp. The short, sharp pain symptoms are thought to be derived from the hydrodynamic theory of pain. This episodic pain condition is likely to become a more frequent dental complaint in the future due to the increase in longevity of the dentition and the rise in tooth wear. However, conclusive evidence of successful treatment regimens still eludes us despite a multitude of products available for treatment. In explanation, pain studies are notoriously difficult to conduct due to the subjective nature of pain and the complexity of pain assessment. The basic principles of treatment are altering fluid flow in the dentinal tubules with tubule occlusion or modifying or blocking pulpal nerve response, chemically with agents like potassium or physically.

Effects of dentin tubule occlusion by dentifrice containing a PVM/MA bioadhesive copolymer in a silica base

“…Acidic erosion of dental hard tissues and subsequent exposure of dentin tubules are widely accepted as one of the most common causes of dentin sensitivity. 38,39 Currently available treatments for dentin sensitivity have largely focused on either occluding the tubules or desensitising the nerve endings, but seldom addressed the etiological factors causing the sensitivity. The findings of the present study provided encouraging evidence that self-application of dentifrices containing PVM/MA copolymer in a hydrated silica base could not only reduce dentin sensitivity through efficient dentin tubule occlusions, but potentially also prevent dentin erosion that caused the sensitive symptoms.…”

Effects of Er:YAG and Er,Cr:YSGG lasers on dentine hypersensitivity. Short-term clinical evaluation

“…Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) is a consequence of a 21st century life-style and increased life expectancy of Western populations who will show functional natural dentition that is prone to tooth wear [1]. Thus, the incidence of DH is likely to become a more frequent dental finding in the future.…”

Dentin Hypersensitivity: A Randomized Clinical Comparison of Three Different Agents in a Short-term Treatment Period

“…Several approaches and numerous agents have been investigated for treating dentinal hypersensitivity, including corticosteroids, silver nitrate, zinc and strontium chloride, formaldehyde, glutaraldehyde, calcium hydroxide, sodium citrate, potassium oxalate, resin adhesives and fluorides. 4, [15][16][17][18] West, 19 in a recent review, hinted that conclusive evidence of successful treatment regimens of dentin hypersensitivity remains elusive, despite a multitude of products available for treatment. The efficacies of these products are varied, not well-established and unpredictable; therefore, clinicians are left to determine the most satisfactory and effective treatment approach for the relief of dentin hypersensitivity for patients in their practices.…”