Dentine hypersensitivity is a common clinical problem. Although Nd:YAG lasers, diode lasers, and topical desensitizing agents are widely utilized, long-term comparative evidence regarding their clinical efficacy remains limited. This prospective, randomized, parallel-arm, evaluator-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial evaluated and compared the 12-month clinical performance of an Nd:YAG laser, a diode laser, a herbal propolis-based dentin barrier agent, and a sham application.
This study was conducted as a prospective, randomized, parallel-arm, evaluator-blinded, sham-controlled clinical trial to evaluate and compare the clinical efficacy of four different treatment modalities for dentine hypersensitivity over a 6-month follow-up period. A total of 140 patients who met the eligibility criteria were enrolled and randomly allocated into four equal groups (n=35 per group) using a block randomization method with a 1:1:1:1 allocation ratio. The intervention groups were assigned as follows: Group 1 received Nd:YAG laser application. Group 2 received Diode laser application. Group 3 received a topical application of a herbal propolis-based dentin barrier agent. Group 4 received a sham (placebo) application to simulate the treatment experience without delivering any active laser or therapeutic agent benefits. Clinical evaluations were performed at baseline, immediately post-treatment, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months. The primary outcome was the change in pain intensity measured by the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) following a controlled air blast stimulus from baseline to 6 months. Secondary outcomes included changes in the Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale, tactile sensitivity scores, patient satisfaction levels, the documentation of any adverse events, and the need for additional treatment during the 6-month period. To ensure objectivity, all clinical assessments and statistical analyses were performed by researchers who were fully blinded to the treatment allocations.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
140
Nd:YAG laser application performed for the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity.
Diode laser application performed for the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity.
Topical application of a herbal propolis-based dentin barrier agent.
Ondokuz Mayıs University, Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Periodontology
Samsun, Samsun, Turkey (Türkiye)
Change in Visual Analog Scale (VAS) Score after Air Stimulus
Pain intensity evaluated using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS), where scores range from 0 (no pain) to 10 (extreme/worst pain). The primary outcome is defined as the change in pain intensity in response to a controlled air blast stimulus from baseline to 6 months.
Time frame: Baseline and 6 months
Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale Score
Dentine sensitivity assessed using the Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale, where scores range from 0 (patient does not respond to air stimulus) to 3 (patient responds to air stimulus, experiences pain, and requests discontinuation of stimulus).
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-treatment, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months
Tactile Sensitivity Score
Tactile sensitivity evaluated using a standard dental explorer probe passed across the affected dentine surface to record the presence or absence of discomfort or pain.
Time frame: Baseline, immediately post-treatment, 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, and 6 months
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Placebo/sham procedure to simulate treatment without delivering active laser or therapeutic agent benefits