Background The objective of this review is to inform practitioners about dentin hypersensitivity (DH) and its management. This clinical information is described in the context of the underlying biology. Types of Studies Reviewed The authors used MEDLINE to find relevant English-language literature published in the period 1999 to 2005. They used combinations of the search terms “dentin*,” “tooth,” “teeth,” “hypersensit*,” “desensiti*” and “desensitiz*.” They read abstracts and then full articles to identify studies describing etiology, prevalence, clinical features, controlled clinical trials of treatments and relevant laboratory research on mechanisms of action. Results The prevalence of DH varies widely, depending on the mode of investigation. Potassium-containing toothpastes are the most widely used at-home treatments. Most in-office treatments employ some form of “barrier,” either a topical solution or gel or an adhesive restorative material. The reported efficacy of these treatments varies, with some having no better efficacy than the control treatments. Possible reasons for this variability are discussed. A flowchart summarizes the various treatment strategies. Clinical Implications DH is diagnosed after elimination of other possible causes of the pain. Desensitizing treatment should be delivered systematically, beginning with prevention and at-home treatments. The latter may be supplemented with in-office modalities.

Managing dentin hypersensitivity

Tooth sensitivity is a very common clinical presentation which can cause considerable concern for patients. This condition is frequently encountered by periodontists, dentists, hygienists and dental therapists. The management of this condition requires a good understanding of the complexity of the problem, as well as the variety of treatments available. This review considers the aetiology, incidence and management of dentinal hypersensitivity.

/pdf/dentinal-hypersensitivity-a-review-14w0zoxw9n.pdf

Dentinal hypersensitivity: a review

Can tooth brushing damage your health? Effects on oral and dental tissues

Statement of problem. Resin-bonded, glass fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures (FPDs) have been under development for some time. There is a lack of data regarding the clinical usefulness of such prostheses. Purpose. The clinical performance of 31 resin-bonded, glass fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures was evaluated in a preliminary study. Material and methods. The prostheses were made to replace 1 to 3 missing maxillary or mandibular teeth in each of 31 patients. The prostheses had a framework made of continuous unidirectional E-glass fibers with multiphase polymer matrix and light-polymerized particulate composite resin veneering. The prostheses were examined after 6-month periods for up to 24 months (mean follow-up time was 14 months). Partial or total debonding of the prostheses or the framework fracture was considered a treatment failure. Results. Two prostheses debonded during the follow-up period; 1 debonding was related to improper occlusal adjustment and the other to unknown reasons. Kaplan-Meier survival probability at 24 months was 93%. No framework fractures were observed. Conclusion. The results of this preliminary study suggest that the resin-bonded, glass fiber-reinforced FPDs may be an alternative for resin-bonded FPDs with a cast metal framework. (J Prosthet Dent 2000;84:413-8.)

Resin-bonded, glass fiber-reinforced composite fixed partial dentures: A clinical study

Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a common clinical condition usually associated with exposed dentinal surfaces. It can affect patients of any age group and most commonly affects the canines and premolars of both the arches. This article concisely reviews the patho-physiology, mechanism and clinical management of the DH. Treatment of DH should start with an accurate diagnosis. Differential diagnosis should be made and all other probable causes should be excluded. An often neglected phase of clinical management of DH is the identification and treatment of the causative factors of DH. By removing the etiological factors, the condition can be even prevented from occurring or recurring. There are various treatment modalities available which can be used at home or may be professionally applied. The "at home" desensitizing agents include toothpastes, mouthwashes or chewing gums and they act by either occluding the dentinal tubules or blocking the neural transmission. This article also discusses the recent treatment options like bioglass, Portland cement, lasers and casein phosphopeptide.

R.W. Vowles

Papers

Wear: mechanisms, manifestations and measurement. Report of a workshop

The prevalence of dentine hypersensitivity in a hospital clinic population in Hong Kong.