Objective: This paper focuses on clinical responses after 7 days of oral exposure to two resin-based materials as desensitizing agents compared to a fluoride varnish and on morphological and analytical study as a means to elucidate the mechanism of action.
Materials and methods: The elemental composition of Vertise™ Flow (VF), Universal Dentine Sealant (UDS) and Flor-Opal® Varnish (FOV) were investigated by using an X-ray energy dispersive spectrometer (EDX) in conjunction with a scanning electron microscope (SEM). SEM morphology of the material-treated dentine surfaces and pain reduction ability according to the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were evaluated in selected hypersensitive teeth. Post treatments and 7 day controls were recorded with SEM and VAS measurements. Clinical data was analysed with the Student's t-test for paired data, with a 5% significance level.
Results: Silicon, ytterbium and alumina were the most present elements in VF, whilst calcium, chloride, silicon and alumina were highest in UDS. Within a 7 day oral environment all the tested materials modified the treated-dentine surfaces showing tubular occlusion of different morphology. Clinically, the efficacy of all materials was similar after a 7-day examination. However, VAS scores were significantly reduced if compared with the baseline (p < 0.05).
Conclusions: Within the limits of this study, data indicate that both resins are effective in sealing tubules and reducing VAS. A resin-related effect on the dentine's morphology was observed, which may influence the long-term response of the resins in the treatment of dental hypersensitivity, which requires further investigation.