In-vitro assessment of effect of a hydroxyapatite containing desensitizing agent on dentinal ubule occlusion

Aim and Objectives: Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a common clinical condition usually associated with exposed dentinal surfaces. The present study evaluated the influence of topical application of hydroxyapatite containing desensitizing agent (Remin Pro) on dentinal tubule occlusion. Materials and Methods: A total of 22 dentin discs obtained from 11 anterior teeth were divided into two groups. Test group (Remin Pro) and control group (distilled water). The specimens treated with 17% ethylene diamine tetraacetic acid gel prior to the application of test agents followed by rinsing and application of test agents for 5 min. After rinsing, 5% Evans blue dye was applied on both the specimens. The specimens were observed under light microscope. A quantitative analysis of tubular occlusion was done by counting the number of dentinal tubules/1000 μm 2 , diameter of dentinal tubules (μm), and closed tubular area (μm 2 ). Percentage of tubular occlusion was calculated in both the groups. Results: Mean number of occluded dentinal tubules in Group A was 78.01% whereas in case of Group B it was 4.97%. With a higher percentage of tubular occlusion, the diameter and number of dentinal tubules decreased and closed tubular area of each tubule increased. Conclusion: The desensitizing agent produced significant greater dentinal tubular occlusion as compared to the control group. Clinical implications: Though in-vitro studies provide evidence for immediate dentine hypersensitivity treatment, further well-designed multicenter prospective long-term clinical trials with scanning electron microscopic evaluation are needed to find the gold standard treatment of DH.