Objectives
To evaluate the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity (TS), and the efficacy of in-office bleaching after applying an experimental desensitizing gel composed of 10% calcium gluconate, 0.1% dexamethasone acetate, 10% potassium nitrate, and 5% glutaraldehyde.
Material and methods
In a split-mouth, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 50 participants had their upper hemiarches randomized into experimental and placebo groups. Desensitizing and placebo gels were applied for 10 min before in-office bleaching (35% hydrogen peroxide, 1 × 50 min; two bleaching sessions; 1-week interval). TS was recorded immediately after bleaching, 1, 24, and 48 h after each session, with a 0–10 visual analogue scale (VAS) and a five-point numerical rating scale (NRS). The color was recorded in all groups at baseline, 1 week after each session, and 1 month after the end of bleaching using shade guide units (ΔSGUs) and a spectrophotometer (Δ
E
ab
, Δ
E
00
, and ΔWI
D
).
Results
Most participants (96%) felt some discomfort during treatment regardless of the study group. The odds ratio for pain was 0.65 (95% CI 0.1 to 4.1;
p
= 1.0). The intensity of TS did not differ between groups (
p
> 0.31), and it was only 0.34 VAS units lower in the experimental group. A significant color change occurred in both groups regardless of the group.
Conclusions
The desensitizing experimental gel applied before in-office bleaching did not reduce the risk and the intensity of TS and did not affect color change.
Clinical relevance
Although the experimental desensitizing agent with varying mechanisms of action did not jeopardize the color change, it did not reduce the risk or intensity of in-office bleaching.
Clinical trial registration number
RBR-7T7D4D.