Aim: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of avian eggshell slurry as a desensitizing agent compared to casein phosphopeptide-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP) containing Tooth Mousse.
Materials and methods: Eggshell powder was prepared and characterized using a scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX). Forty dentin disks were immersed in 6% citric acid for 2 min to simulate hypersensitive dentin (baseline). Disks were then divided into two groups (n = 20) according to treatment received: eggshell slurry and commercially available Tooth Mousse desensitizing agent. Each group was further divided into two subgroups (n = 10). In subgroup 1, dentin discs were immersed in artificial saliva for four weeks whereas, in subgroup 2, discs underwent acid challenge. Environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM) analysis and hydraulic conductance test were utilized to calculate dentinal tubules occlusion and reduction of dentin permeability percentages, respectively. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 22.0 at a significance level p ≤ 0.05.
Results: After application of desensitizing agents, the eggshell slurry group showed a significantly higher percentage of dentinal tubules occlusion compared to the Tooth Mousse group, whereas no significant difference existed in the percentage reduction of dentin permeability between both groups. After both immersion protocols, the eggshell slurry significantly occluded more dentinal tubules compared to Tooth Mousse. On the contrary, results of percentage reduction of dentin permeability revealed no significant difference between both subgroups after acid challenge. After artificial saliva immersion, Tooth Mousse showed a significantly higher percentage reduction of dentin permeability compared to the eggshell slurry.
Conclusion: Avian eggshell slurry can effectively occlude open dentinal tubules compared to commercially available Tooth Mousse desensitizing agent.
Clinical significance: Avian eggshell slurry can be considered a promising material for the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. How to cite this article: El Tahlawy AA, Saba DA, Bakir NG. Avian Eggshell Slurry as a Dentin Desensitizing Agent: An In Vitro Assessment Using Two Techniques. J Contemp Dent Pract 2021;22(5):532-537.
Keywords:
Dentin hypersensitivity; Dentin permeability; Dentinal tubules occlusion; Eggshell;