Photobiomodulation therapy and 3% potassium nitrate gel as treatment of cervical dentin hypersensitivity: a randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES: This randomized controlled trial aimed to evaluate different protocols for dentin hypersensitivity treatment with low-power lasers and desensitizing agents, and the association between low-power lasers and desensitizing agents. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fifty-four patients (303 teeth) were randomly allocated to three groups: G1, 3% nitrate potassium gel, UltraEZ (n = 17); G2, photobiomodulation therapy (PBM) with a low-level infrared laser (n = 17), 100 mW, spot size of 0.028 cm2, and dose of 1 J per point; and G3, nitrate potassium + PBM (n = 20). Treatments were applied to the buccal cervical region at intervals of 72 h, and all protocols were performed in three sessions. The patients' response to evaporative stimuli was rated using the visual analog scale (VAS). Re-evaluations were performed immediately after each application and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months after treatment. A two-way repeated measures test and Tukey's post hoc test were used for multiple comparisons (α = 5%). RESULTS: There was a reduction in pain levels at the end of treatment in all groups. There were no significant differences in VAS score changes between the groups immediately after treatment and after the third month, compared to the baseline (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION: Under the limitations of this in vivo study, the proposed three-session protocol was effective in reducing dentin hypersensitivity after 3 months, regardless of the desensitization mechanism used. Conservative and long-term protocols are interesting for the control of pain caused by dentin hypersensitivity. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The increase in cervical dentin hypersensitivity prevalence warrants easy-to-apply and long-lasting desensitizing protocols for pain control.

Development of a fiber-reinforced material for fiber posts: Evaluation of stress distribution, fracture load, and failure mode of restored roots.

STATEMENT OF PROBLEM: The biomechanical behavior of post-restored roots with an experimental fiber-reinforced composite resin is unknown. PURPOSE: The purpose of this in vitro study was to investigate the biomechanical behavior of an experimental composite resin (3-mm short glass fiber incorporated in methacrylate matrix with filler particles) used to produce the custom post itself or to reline fiber posts. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Four testing groups (n=10) were created according to the root restoration method: FG, commercially available fiber post; FG+RC, fiber post relined with conventional composite resin; FG+EXP, fiber post relined with the experimental composite resin; and EXP, a custom post made of experimental composite resin. A three-dimensional finite element linear elastic analysis was performed by using geometric representations of groups, and the results were analyzed by von Mises (σvM) and maximum principal stress criteria. In sequence, 40 bovine incisors were assigned to these groups and subjected to a fracture load test (Instron 5965; 0.5 mm/min), and the failure mode was determined. RESULTS: The EXP group showed more homogeneous stress distribution for σvM. ANOVA and the Tukey honestly significant difference (HSD) tests showed significant differences (P<.001) in fracture load (mean ±standard deviation; different superscript letters indicate statistical difference): FG+EXP (669.5 ±107.7)A; FG (620.7 ±59.2)A; EXP (506.5 ±27.0)B; FG+RC (452.7 ±81.6)B. No differences were found for failure mode (P=.595). CONCLUSIONS: The experimental composite resin significantly increases fracture load when used to reline commercially available fiber posts and, irrespective of its use, presented lower stress concentration.

Restorative material and loading type influence on the biomechanical behavior of wedge shaped cervical lesions.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the influence of restorative materials used on the rehabilitation of MOD cavities and loading type, on biomechanical behavior of wedge-shaped (WS) lesions in endodontically treated maxillary premolars. The investigation was conducted by 3D finite element analysis (FEA) and strain gauge test. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six models were generated, with MOD cavities and endodontic treatment: A (MOD amalgam restoration), R (MOD composite restoration), AL (A + cervical lesion (L)), RL, ALR (A + cervical lesion restored with composite (LR)), and RLR. Each model underwent two compressive loading (100N): axial and oblique-45° angle to the long axis on the buccal cusp. The models were analyzed by von Mises criteria. For strain gauge test, 14 standardized maxillary premolars were treated according to the groups described for FEA. Two strain gauges were bonded on each sample submitted to compressive loading in a mechanical testing machine. RESULTS: A presented higher stress concentration and strain values than R. Oblique loading promoted highest stress concentration and strain rates for all groups. ALR and RLR presented similar stress-strain distribution pattern when compared to A and R. CONCLUSION: The interaction between MOD cavity restored with amalgam and oblique loading propitiated the highest stress concentration and strain values on cervical region and WS lesion. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The MOD cavity restored with composite resin is a better option than amalgam to improve the biomechanical behavior of wedge-shaped lesion, avoiding dental failure. In addition, the occlusal interferences must be removed, allowing homogeneous contact distribution and preventing WS lesion progression.

Biomechanical Behavior of Extensively Restored Premolars: Cusp Deformation, Marginal Integrity, and Fracture Resistance.

PURPOSE: To study the biomechanical behavior of extensively restored premolars by determining the effect of the composite type, presence of cusp weakening, and compressive loading on the cusp deformation (CD), marginal integrity (MI), and fracture resistance (FR) of directly restored premolars. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty premolars received Class II mesio-occlusal-distal (MOD) cavities and were divided into 4 groups (n = 10) in accordance with the two study variables: composite type (conventional: Filtek Z250 XT [Z250], 3M ESPE; low shrinkage: Venus Diamond [VD], Heraeus-Kulzer) and the presence of cusp weakening (with/without). Cusp deformation upon restoration was assessed using strain gauges during the restorative procedure and thereafter when the restorations were subjected to an occlusal load of 100 N. The samples were subjected to thermal and mechanical cycling. Epoxy resin replicas of the proximal tooth/restoration interfaces were made to analyze the marginal integrity (MI) using scanning electron microscopy. To determine the fracture resistance (FR), the teeth were loaded at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min until fracture. RESULTS: The conventional composite Z250 had higher CD, lower MI, and lower FR than the low-shrinkage composite VD. Cusp weakening had no influence on CD, but MI and FR decreased. CONCLUSION: The low-shrinkage composite VD performed better in restoring extensively destroyed premolars than did Z250.

Prevalence of non-carious cervical lesions and orthodontic treatment: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to assess the distribution of non-carious cervical lesions (NCCLs) by tooth type, investigate the prevalence of NCCLs in patients undergoing orthodontic treatment, and identify the possible associated factors. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A total of 160 patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. Data on the following variables were collected from pre-and post-orthodontic treatment records: age, sex, Angle's malocclusion, facial pattern, number of activation sessions, compensatory treatment, and retreatment. Frontal, right and left lateral intraoral photographs of each patient were evaluated to identify the presence or absence of NCCLs in each tooth and assess the distribution of NCCLs in the 3840 teeth from the enrolled patients. Furthermore, patients were classified as NCCLs present, irrespective of the number of NCCLs on the teeth or NCCL absent. Bivariate and multivariate Poisson regression analyses with robust variance were used to assess the association between the NCCLs and each independent variable. Prevalence ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS: The prevalence of NCCLs before and after orthodontic treatment was 22.71% and 30.91%, respectively. Premolars were the most affected teeth, followed by the first molars, canines, and incisors. After statistical analysis, age was found to be the variable factor that influenced the prevalence ratio, with NCCL being the most prevalent when orthodontic treatment was performed in adulthood. CONCLUSIONS: Premolars were most commonly affected by NCCLs. Furthermore, age seemed to contribute to the increased prevalence of NCCLs in adults undergoing orthodontic treatment.

Influence of Tip Diameter and Light Spectrum of Curing Units on the Properties of Bulk-Fill Resin Composites.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of different light-curing units (LCUs) with distinct tip diameters and light spectra for activating bulk-fill resins. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specimens (n = 10) were made from a conventional composite (Amaris, VOCO) and bulk-fill resins (Aura Bulk Fill, SDI; Filtek One, 3M ESPE; Tetric Bulk Fill, Ivoclar Vivadent) with two diameters, 7 or 10 mm, × 2 mm thickness. Following 24 hours of specimen preparation, the degree of conversion (DC) was evaluated using the Fourier-transform infrared unit. Knoop hardness (KHN) readings were performed on the center and periphery of the specimens. Data were assessed for homoscedasticity and submitted to one-way and three-way analysis of variance followed by the Tukey's and Dunnett's tests, depending on the analysis performed (α = 0.05). RESULTS: LCUs and specimen diameter significantly affected the DC. The Tetric Bulk Fill provided increased DC results when light-cured with Valo (54.8 and 53.5%, for 7 and 10 mm, respectively) compared with Radii Xpert (52.1 and 52.9%, for 7 and 10 mm, respectively). No significant differences in KHN results were noted for the conventional resin composite (Amaris) compared with LCUs (p = 0.213) or disc diameters (p = 0.587), but the center of the specimen exhibited superior KHN (p ≤ 0.001) than the periphery. CONCLUSION: The light spectrum of the multipeak LCU (Valo) significantly increased the DC and KHN of the bulk-fill resin composite with additional initiator to camphorquinone (Tetric Bulk Fill) compared with the monowave LCU (Radii Xpert). The tip size of the LCUs influenced the performance of some of the resin composites tested.

Powered Toothbrushes: An Opportunity for Biofilm and Gingival Inflammation Control.

The present review aimed at a broad investigation on the potential of powered as compared to manual toothbrushes in different aspects of clinical dentistry. Studies evaluating plaque and gingival inflammatory parameters were included, as well as those that investigated adverse effects. Emphasis was given separately to adults, youngsters, special-needs patients, and those under fixed orthodontic therapy. In general, comparisons favored powered toothbrushes. In summary, approximately 68% of the included studies, in terms of plaque/gingival inflammation in adults, presented better results for powered toothbrushes. In children and special-needs populations, approximately 40% of the included studies favored powered toothbrushes for plaque/gingival inflammation, and none favored manual ones. In orthodontic individuals, 50% of the studies also demonstrated a better effect of powered toothbrushes on plaque and gingival inflammation. All included studies that assessed adverse events did not demonstrate a difference in these effects when comparing manual vs. powered toothbrushes. It is concluded that the use of powered toothbrushes is an opportunity to enhance patterns of plaque control and associated gingival inflammation.

Can non-carious cervical lesions depth affect clinical response in pain intensity and remaining dentin thickness?

Non-carious Cervical Lesions (NCCL) are dental tissue defects, non-related to caries, frequently observed in the dental practice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of NCCL on dentin depth and thickness and the response to dental pain by means of clinical diagnostic tests. 86 teeth from 14 patients with NCCL were assessed by: depth of NCCL, clinical tests (evaporative stimulus, to detect pain levels of dentin hypersensitivity, cold thermal test to classify pulp health, percussive stimuli to evaluate the periradicular tissues and cone beam computed tomography (tomography to evaluate remaining dentin thickness (RDT). In terms of depth, the sample was divided into two groups: G1- teeth with NCCLs ≤1.0mm and G2- teeth with NCCLs between 1.1-2.0 mm. Dental pain data were compared by Mann-Whitney test and RDT by Student's t-test and correlations by the Pearson test (p<0.05). The depth of NCCL does not influence dental pain response to evaporative stimulus (p=0.129), cold thermal test (p = 0.125), vertical (p = 0.317) and horizontal (p = 0.119) percussion clinical diagnostic tests. However, G1 showed more RDT (p<0.001), and the correlation test showed that deeper NCCL presents smaller remaining dentin thickness (p=0.011/r=-0.273). In conclusion, tooth with NCCL up to 2mm-depth presents similar levels of pain for dentin hypersensitivity, pulp and periradicular tissue independent to NCCL depth, however, lesions with ≤1.0mm-depth showed greater RDT in tomographic findings.

In vitro study of fracture load and fracture pattern of ceramic crowns: a finite element and fractography analysis.

PURPOSE: This in vitro study investigated the null hypothesis that metal-free crowns induce fracture loads and mechanical behavior similar to metal ceramic systems and to study the fracture pattern of ceramic crowns under compressive loads using finite element and fractography analyses. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six groups (n = 8) with crowns from different systems were compared: conventional metal ceramic (Noritake) (CMC); modified metal ceramic (Noritake) (MMC); lithium disilicate-reinforced ceramic (IPS Empress II) (EMP); leucite-reinforced ceramic (Cergogold) (CERG); leucite fluoride-apatite reinforced ceramic (IPS d.Sign) (SIGN); and polymer crowns (Targis) (TARG). Standardized crown preparations were performed on bovine roots containing NiCr metal dowels and resin cores. Crowns were fabricated using the ceramics listed, cemented with dual-cure resin cement, and submitted to compressive loads in a mechanical testing machine at a 0.5-mm/min crosshead speed. Data were submitted to one-way ANOVA and Tukey tests, and fractured specimens were visually inspected under a stereomicroscope (20×) to determine the type of fracture. Maximum principal stress (MPS) distributions were calculated using finite element analysis, and fracture origin and the correlation with the fracture type were determined using fractography. RESULTS: Mean values of fracture resistance (N) for all groups were: CMC: 1383 ± 298 (a); MMC: 1691 ± 236 (a); EMP: 657 ± 153 (b); CERG: 546 ± 149 (bc); SIGN: 443 ± 126 (c); TARG: 749 ± 113 (b). Statistical results showed significant differences among groups (p < 0.05) represented by different lowercase letters. Metal ceramic crowns presented fracture loads significantly higher than the others. Ceramic specimens presented high incidence of fractures involving either the core or the tooth, and all fractures of polymer crown specimens involved the tooth in a catastrophic way. Based on stress and fractographic analyses it was determined that fracture occurred from the occlusal to the cervical direction. CONCLUSIONS: Within the limitations of this study, the results indicated that the use of ceramic and polymer crowns without a core reinforcement should be carefully evaluated before clinical use due to the high incidence of failure with tooth involvement. This mainly occurred for the polymer crown group, although the fracture load was higher than normal occlusal forces. High tensile stress concentrations were found around and between the occlusal loading points. Fractographic analysis indicated fracture originating from the load point and propagating from the occlusal surface toward the cervical area, which is the opposite direction of that observed in clinical situations.

The control of pain due to dentin hypersensitivity in individuals with molar-incisor hypomineralisation: a protocol for a randomised controlled clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION: Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is defined as high sensitivity of the vital dentin when exposed to thermal, chemical or tactile stimuli. Two mechanisms are required for the occurrence of DH: (1) the dentin must be exposed and (2) the dentinal tubules must be open and connected to the pulp. Molar-incisor hypomineralisation (MIH) is a qualitative abnormality of a genetic origin that affects tooth enamel and, in most cases, is accompanied by DH. The control of tooth sensitivity is fundamental to the successful treatment of MIH. The aim of the proposed randomised, controlled, clinical trial is to evaluate the effectiveness of different protocols for the control of DH in patients with teeth affected by MIH. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: One hundred and forty patients who meet the inclusion criteria will be allocated to four groups. Group 1 will be the control group (placebo). In Group 2, sensitive teeth will be sealed with PermaSeal (Ultradent). In Group 3, sensitive teeth will receive low-level laser (LLL, AsGaAl) at a wavelength of 780 nm (Laser XT Therapy, DMC, São Carlos, Brazil). In Group 4, sensitive teeth will be treated with both LLL and PermaSeal (Ultradent). DH will be evaluated 15 min after the application of the treatments and the patients will be reevaluated 1 week, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after the treatments. The primary outcome of this study is change in pain/sensitivity, when evaluated through a Visual Analogue Scale, to determine the effectiveness of the proposed treatments, as well as differences among the evaluation times for each proposed treatment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This protocol has been ethically approved by the local medical ethical committee (protocol number: 4.020.261). Results will be submitted to international peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: NCT04407702.

Measuring bond strength between fiber post and root dentin: a comparison of different tests.

PURPOSE: the aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of bond strength tests to accurately measure the bond strength of fiber posts luted into root canals. MATERIALS AND METHODS: the test methods studied were hourglass microtensile (HM), push-out (PS), modified pushout (MP), and pull-out (PL). The evaluated parameters were: bond strength values, reliability (using Weibull analysis), failure mode (using confocal microscopy), and stress distribution (using finite element analysis). Forty human intact single-rooted and endodontically treated teeth were divided into four groups. Each group was assigned one of the test methods. The samples in the HM and PS groups were 1.0 ± 0.1 mm thick; the HM samples were hourglass shaped and the PS samples were disk shaped. For the PL and MP groups, each 1-mm dentin slice was luted with a fiber post piece. Three-dimensional models of each group were made and stress was analyzed based on Von Mises criteria. RESULTS: PL provided the highest values of bond strength, followed by MP, both of which also had greater amounts of adhesive failures. PS showed the highest frequency of cohesive failures. MP showed a more homogeneous stress distribution and a higher Weibull modulus. CONCLUSION: the specimen design directly influences the biomechanical behavior of bond strength tests.

Effect of different cements on the biomechanical behavior of teeth restored with cast dowel-and-cores-in vitro and FEA analysis.

PURPOSE: To test the hypothesis that the type of cement used for fixation of cast dowel-and-cores might influence fracture resistance, fracture mode, and stress distribution of single-rooted teeth restored with this class of metallic dowels. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The coronal portion was removed from 40 bovine incisors, leaving a 15 mm root. After endodontic treatment and standardized root canal relief at 10 mm, specimens were embedded in polystyrene resin, and the periodontal ligament was simulated with polyether impression material. The specimens were randomly divided into four groups (n = 10), and restored with Cu-Al cast dowel-and-cores cemented with one of four options: conventional glass ionomer cement (GI); resin-modified glass ionomer cement (GR); dual-cure resin cement (RC); or zinc-phosphate cement (ZP). Sequentially, fracture resistance of the specimens was tested with a tangential load at a 135 degrees angle with a 0.5 mm/min crosshead speed. Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Fisher test. Two-dimensional finite element analysis (2D-FEA) was then performed with representative models of each group simulating a 100 microm cement layer. Results were analyzed based on von Mises stress distribution criteria. RESULTS: The mean fracture resistance values were (in N): RC, 838.2 +/- 135.9; GI, 772.4 +/- 169.8; GR, 613.4 +/- 157.5; ZP, 643.6 +/- 106.7. FEA revealed that RC and GR presented lower stress values than ZP and GI. The higher stress concentration was coincident with more catastrophic failures, and consequently, with lower fracture resistance values. CONCLUSIONS: The type of cement influenced fracture resistance, failure mode, and stress distribution on teeth restored with cast dowel-and-cores.

Brazilian dentists' perception of dentin hypersensitivity management.

The aim of this study was to investigate how Brazilian dentists perceive and manage dentin hypersensitivity (DH) in their clinical routine. A 13-item questionnaire-based survey was developed and sent electronically to a convenience sample of dentists. The questionnaire assessed the personal and dental practice characteristics of the sample, the occurrence of DH in their daily clinical practice, and management strategies. The data were analyzed descriptively and together with the chi-square test (a = 0.05). A total of 353 responses were obtained from September 2017 to March 2018. Of all the respondents, 62% were females, 49.9% reported fewer than five years of dental practice, and 70.5% were self-identified as private practitioners. Most of the dentists reported an estimated frequency (30-60%) of patients with DH in their practice. The most frequently cited (91.79%) trigger of DH was air blast and/or scratching with a probe. The first-choice strategy to manage DH was a dentin desensitizer (48.16%). The number of years in clinical practice did not influence DH relapse frequency (p = 0.76) significantly, or consider DH treatment as a problem (p = 0.22). The present findings indicate that, regardless of clinical experience, dentists in Brazil still consider DH management a challenge in their daily dental practice. In addition, the results suggest that guidelines should be developed to disseminate the available knowledge regarding this condition in ways that may influence decision-making processes among practitioners.

Prevalence of noncarious cervical lesions among adults: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to systematically review the literature on noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs) and calculate an overall prevalence estimate. METHODS: The protocol of this systematic review was prepared according to PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines. The MEDLINE-PubMed and Cochrane-CENTRAL databases were searched. Relevant published papers that provided information regarding the prevalence or number of NCCLs among general or specific populations were included. RESULTS: The initial search identified 569 titles and abstracts, 24 of which met the eligibility criteria involving 14,628 participants. The weighted mean prevalence of NCCLs among the whole studied population was 46.7 % (95 % CI: 38.2; 55.3 %), ranging from 9.1%-93%. Based on sub-analyses, studies with populations older than 30 years revealed higher weighted prevalence (53 %) than those with populations younger than 30 years (43 %). Regarding the diagnostic method, when visual or tactile clinical examination was used, the prevalence was lower than when the Smith and Knight tooth wear index was used. When different definitions were used, the weighted mean prevalence varied from 28 % to 62 %. As to the terms used to address the lesions, the prevalence was higher when "noncarious cervical lesion" was used and lower when "root defects," "abrasion," or "abfraction" were used. When geographical regions were compared, South America had the highest reported prevalence of NCCLs, while the United States had the lowest. Moreover, general populations presented the highest prevalence, slightly higher than dental populations, whose members frequented dental practices. CONCLUSION: The overall prevalence of NCCLs was 46.7 % and higher in older populations. Visual and tactile clinical examination underestimate this prevalence compared to the established index. The terms and definitions used also influenced the prevalence data. Distinct geographical differences were observed, and general populations were more inclined to present NCCLs.

Two-dimensional FEA of dowels of different compositions and external surface configurations.

PURPOSE: The degree of stress generated in the endodontically treated and restored tooth can be influenced by the composition and configuration of the dowels used for the restoration. Using two-dimensional (2D) finite element analysis (FEA), this study tested the hypothesis that the characterization of the stress distribution can be influenced by which evaluation method is employed: protrusion loading and 4-point flexural strength test or varying the type of material (carbon and glass fiber) or the external configuration of the dowel (smooth and serrated). MATERIALS AND METHODS: For simulation of the protrusion load test, models were generated with Mechanical-AutoCAD V6 software from an image of an anatomical plate, one maxillary central incisor, and two dowels and exported to Ansys 9.0. The bone region model was fixed, and a tangential load of 1 N with a 135 degrees inclination to the tooth longitudinal axis was applied at the level of the palatal surface of the crown. In the simulation of a 4-point flexural strength test, a 1 N perpendicular load was applied in two points to the dowel. The dental materials and structures were considered elastic, isotropic, homogeneous, and linear, with the exception of the dowel, which was assumed to exhibit orthotropic behavior. Mechanical properties were defined based on a review of the literature, and the model was meshed with an eight node tetrahedral element. RESULTS: The stress results from both tests were analyzed according to von Mises criteria and principal stresses (Sx). Data from the 4-point flexural strength test simulation showed that, for the serrated dowels, a higher stress concentration was found; however, no difference in the occlusal load for material or dowel configuration was found. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that although the external configuration of the dowel influences direct loading, when the dowel is integrated to the tooth and setting material, the influence on biomechanical behavior disappears.

Prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity: Systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity in various populations. SOURCES: Four electronic databases (Medline via PubMed, Cochrane Library, Wiley Online Library and Web of Science) were searched until June 2018. STUDY SELECTION: Cross-sectional studies on the prevalence of dentin hypersensitivity were included. Meta-analysis were conducted and meta-regression models were used to explain the variation of the prevalence measures. Data were extracted, and the studies were assessed for quality. DATA: A total of 65 papers (reporting on 77 studies) met the inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The prevalence range was observed to be as low as 1.3% and as high as 92.1%. Effect modifiers for dentin hypersensitivity prevalences were the type of participants included in the study, age range, recruitment strategy and number of study sites. Higher prevalences were observed in studies involving specialty practice patients, younger adults, convenience sample and those characterized as single-site. CONCLUSION: The best estimate of dentin hypersensitivity was 11.5% (95%CI:11.3%-11.7%) and the average from all studies was 33.5% (95%CI: 30.2%-36.7%). The extremely high degree of heterogeneity among studies can only be partially explained by characteristics of the studies. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Dentin hypersensitivity is a persistent clinical problem that poses significant challenge for clinicians and affects patients' quality of life. Better understanding of the dentin hypersensitivity burden and its associated factors can assist on resource planning for reducing/preventing any discomfort arising from this condition and will aid in the decision-making process.

Four-Session Protocol Effectiveness in Reducing Cervical Dentin Hypersensitivity: A 24-Week Randomized Clinical Trial.

Objective: A single-blind randomized clinical trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of desensitizing agents with different action mechanisms in reducing cervical dentin hypersensitivity (CDH) after four application sessions, with 24-week follow-up. Materials and methods: Sixty patients with CDH were selected in the study and were allocated in three groups of treatment: Desensibilize KF 2%, Clinpro XT Varnish, and Photon Lase III (100 mW, 4 J/cm2-1 J/cm2 each point, 10 sec per point with wavelength of 808 nm). There were four application sessions performed, with a 48-h interval between each one. The evaporative stimuli and visual analog scale were used to evaluate the CDH level at baseline, immediately after treatment, and at 2, 4, 8, and 24 weeks after the application. Mixed-model effects test was used for comparison (α = 0.05).Results: All three groups showed significant reduction in CDH from baseline to each all-subsequent follow-up. All the groups maintained the CDH reduction, and presented no statistical differences between each other after treatment (p = 0.885), 2 (p = 0.857), 4 (p = 0.928), 8 (p = 0.206), and 24 weeks (p = 0.073) of follow-up.Conclusions: The four-session protocol was an effective approach in reduction of CDH (even after 24 weeks), regardless of desensitization mechanism.

A long-term evaluation of experimental potassium oxalate concentrations on dentin hypersensitivity reduction: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this split-mouth, triple-blind, randomized clinical trial was to evaluate the long-term clinical efficacy of experimental potassium oxalate concentration (10%) in relieving dentin hypersensitivity (DH), after a four-session application protocol. METHODS: Potassium oxalate gels with different concentrations (5 and 10%) were randomly assigned to half of the 31 patients from the sample in a split-mouth design. The desensitizers were applied following a four-session protocol, one session every 48 h. The primary outcome was the assessment of pain level with the visual analog scale (VAS, 0-10), at baseline, immediately after each desensitizing session, and also after the seventh day and along 1-,3-, 6-, 9- and 12-months follow-ups. Statistical analyses were performed using Friedman repeated measures and Wilcoxon signed rank tests (α = 0.05). RESULTS: For both groups, the minimum of three sessions were required for the achievement of lower DH levels. Regardless of the concentration, the desensitizing effect was maintained all the way to the end of the 6-month follow-up. The 10%-potassium oxalate group was more effective for both 9 and 12-months follow-up periods (p < 0.001). No complications and adverse effects were observed. CONCLUSIONS: When a four-session protocol is applied, both concentrations of potassium oxalate (5 and 10%) proved to be effective on DH reduction for up to six months. However, the higher concentration promoted better long-term results. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The DH is an increasing condition in clinical practice, which affects the patient's life quality. This study provides primary clinical evidence, suggesting that multiple application sessions and higher concentrations of potassium oxalate may result in maintenance of the desensitizing effect for more extended periods. Trial registered under number: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03083496.

Relationship between noncarious cervical lesions, cervical dentin hypersensitivity, gingival recession, and associated risk factors: A cross-sectional study.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to evaluate the risk factors associated with noncarious cervical lesions (NCCLs), cervical dentin hypersensitivity (CDH), and gingival recession (GR), besides the relationship among these conditions in a specific Brazilian sample population. METHODS: 185 patients who attended the "Ambulatory Program for Rehabilitation of Patients with Noncarious Cervical Lesions and Cervical Dentin Hypersensitivity" were evaluated, and 5180 teeth were analyzed. The subjects filled out a form and a calibrated examiner performed the clinical exams to determine the presence of NCCLs, CDH, and GR. NCCLs were classified according to their morphology and depth, CDH levels were evaluated according to air stimuli response, and GRs were categorized according to Miller's classification. The association of the risk factors with NCCLs, CDH, and GR was determined with the Mann-Whitney U test and multiple linear regression. For the correlations, the Spearman test was used with a 95%-confidence level. RESULTS: The NCCLs, CDH, and GR distributions within the study were 88.1%, 89.1%, and 59.4%, respectively. Maxillary premolars were the most affected by all three conditions. A positive correlation was found between age, NCCLs, and GR; between NCCLs and CDH; CDH and GR; GR and NCCLs. Age, gender, oral hygiene, gastroesophageal diseases, and occlusal trauma were significantly associated with the presence of all three conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The NCCLs and GR distributions increased with age; NCCLs, CDH, and GR had positive correlation; the lesions' depth and morphology contributed to high levels of sensitivity and severity of recessions; age, gender, gastric disease, and occlusal trauma were relevant factors for the occurrence of NCCLs, CDH, and GR. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The increasing distribution of NCCLs, CDH, and GR is closely associated with people's lifestyles. Thus, it is important for the clinicians to recognize the etiological factors and their most relevant associations to prevent and control such alterations, in order to improve the population's quality of life.

Clinical Performance of Root Surface Restorations.

This chapter describes the clinical performance of restorations placed in root caries lesions. The prevalence of root caries and other types of cervical lesions, caused by abfraction, erosion, and abrasion (non-carious cervical lesions) are high, mainly in the elderly; and therefore, restorative procedures are indicated. We will revise the restorative materials used to restore these types of lesions and present evidence-based findings to provide clinicians with better evidence for choosing them. Additionally, some steps of the restorative procedure for the placement of resin-based composites will be revised and common clinical questions related to these steps will be answered based on high evidence level, produced by randomized clinical trials and systematic reviews of the literature.