ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: To evaluate the effects of topical applications of Gluma Alternate, a Gluma Desensitizer version with reduced glutaraldehyde content, Health-Dent Desensitizer and Scotchbond Multi-Purpose (SMP) on hypersensitive erosion/abrasion lesions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 55 patients were included in the trial with at least three teeth each presenting severe sensitivity. From a total of 184 teeth, 69 were treated with Gluma Alternate, 58 with Health Dent and 51 treated SMP, serving as a control. Sensitivity was recorded as response to cold air stimulus prior to treatment, immediately after the topical application of the agents, and after 1 week, 1 month and 6 months. RESULTS: Both Gluma Alternate and SMP showed significant reduction in sensitivity between pre- and postoperative pain scores (P < 0.05). The post-treatment sensitivity scores (0 and 1) were no different between 1 week and 6 months. In the Health-Dent group only 10 of the 58 teeth showed sensitivity reduction. For this reason the remaining 48 teeth received a "rescue treatment" with Gluma Desensitizer. At the end of the 6-month observation time, all teeth treated with Gluma Alternate, Gluma Desensitizer, and SMP showed no or very little dentin sensitivity.