Effectiveness of Diode Laser Compared with Sodium Fluoride Varnish in Management of Dentin Hypersensitivity Associated with Gingival Recession

Using laser for treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH) have recently shown promising results and better immediate reduction in pain scores. However, its efficacy and mechanism of action is controversial. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of diode laser compared with sodium fluoride varnish in treating DH in patients with gingival recession. Eighteen patients with Miller’s class I and class II gingival recession and hypersensitivity in at least two non-adjacent teeth were included in the study. Test surfaces (n = 25) were treated with diode laser, whilst control surfaces (n = 23) were treated with 5% sodium fluoride varnish. Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) scores were recorded for air and tactile stimulus for both groups at baseline, 15 min, 1 month and 3 months post-treatment. Results showed significant (p < 0.05) reduction in VAS scores at 15 min, 1 month and 3 months compared with baseline in both test and control surfaces, with no significant intergroup differences. However, the percentage reduction in DH was more in laser at all evaluation periods. The use of diode laser and sodium fluoride varnish showed good immediate and prolonged results. Further studies are needed to come up with more effective treatment methods.