Comparative Evaluation of Recession Coverage Obtained Using the Pinhole Surgical Technique With and Without Platelet-Rich Fibrin: A Randomized Clinical Trial

This randomized controlled clinical trial evaluated the pinhole surgical technique (PST) combined with platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) for the management of multiple recession defects compared to PST alone. Ten patients with 51 Miller Class I/ II or III gingival recessions were selected. Control sites were treated with PST alone, whereas test sites were treated with PST with PRF. Gingival recession depth (GRD), gingival recession width (GRW), probing depth (PD), clinical attachment level (CAL), keratinized tissue width (KTW), total soft tissue gain (TSTG), Plaque Index (PI), Gingival Index (GI), and gingival bleeding index (GBI) were measured at baseline and at 1, 3, and 6 months posttreatment. Both groups showed statistically significant root coverage. The mean recession coverage was 60.25% in the test group and 49.6% in the control group. The recession reduction from baseline was 2.50 mm for the test group and 1.88 mm for the control group. At the end of 6 months, all sites achieved adequate root coverage. PRF is a feasible alternative to connective tissue grafts as an adjunct to PST for the treatment of multiple recession defects.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis in gingiva: A rare case of isolated presentation

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by necrotising granulomatous inflammation of upper and lower respiratory tract, vasculitis and glomerulonephritis. This ailment may present with cough, haemoptysis, sinusitis, nasal deformity, skin lesions, malaise, fever, anorexia, and weight loss. Oral manifestation includes strawberry gingivitis, which is a pathognomonic clinical presentation. Here, we present a case of GPA in gingiva as the first manifestation. Clinical examination of the oral cavity revealed granular, erythematous gingival enlargement in the lower anterior teeth region involving papilla, marginal and attached gingiva with shiny and pebbled surface. Histopathological examination showed pseudoepitheliomatous hyperplasia with vasculitis and inflammation in the connective tissue, neutrophilic infiltration and abscess formation with haemorrhage were noted. Laboratory investigations revealed Proteinase 3 (PR3) antigen and Glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antigen were positive. Clinical, histopathological and laboratory investigations enabled the diagnosis of Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis. We present this rare case report of GPA with primary manifestation in gingiva.

Incidental finding of paradental cyst in the maxillary anterior teeth during immediate implant placement

Paradental cyst is classified as an inflammatory cyst, and its occurrence in the anterior maxillary region is very rare. Several hypotheses have been put forward on the etiopathogenesis among which the formation of cyst secondary to inflammatory destruction of the periodontium and alveolar bone can be attributed to the present case. A 26-year-old male patient reported with loosened maxillary anterior teeth. After clinical and radiological examination, extraction of teeth #12, #11, #21, and #22 followed with immediate implant placement was planned. During extraction of #21, incidentally, a cyst was noted to be attached to the apices of #21 tooth. Implants were placed at #12, #11, and #22 sites, and socket of #21 was debrided thoroughly, followed by the placement of graft. A histopathological study of the cyst revealed it to be a paradental cyst. The patient was followed up for 6 months, and no recurrence of cystic lesion was noted. When immediate implant placement is being planned, considerations to the periodontal and periapical disease status of the teeth being extracted are crucial to achieve better treatment outcomes.

Interdental hygiene index - A proposal of dual-purpose tool for patient assessment and motivation

Background

Interdental areas are more prone to plaque accumulation, thereby increasing the susceptibility for periodontal diseases. Proper method of interdental hygiene assessment and motivation to use interdental aids can potentially reduce the burden of periodontal diseases.

Materials and Methods

Fifty consecutive volunteer participants who presented with gingival inflammation were recruited based on the set of inclusion criteria. Further, proposed interdental hygiene index (IDHI) and gingival index were recorded by the examiner. Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) were recorded on the baseline and 4-week follow-up visits. Descriptive statistics and correlation analysis were performed.

Results

The study comprised 50 participants with 22 male and 23 female participants. At baseline, the mean/standard deviation of IDHI was 1.32 ± 0.10 and 0.62 ± 0.21 on follow-up, respectively. For Gingival Index (GI) at baseline, the mean/standard deviation was 1.61 ± 0.15 and 0.70 ± 0.24 on follow-up, respectively. Correlation analysis revealed a significant correlation between IDHI and GI at baseline and follow-up. Majority of the participants scored 0 on the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) for pain, rated "Good" for acceptability of procedure and perceived efficacy of interdental brush. Participants reported to have acquired "High level of motivation" to use an interdental brush.

Conclusion

IDHI is a simple and reliable tool to assess the interdental areas of the patient and motivate to use interdental brush for the maintenance of good oral hygiene. PROMs also revealed positive responses from participants.

Comparative evaluation of efficacy and patient-reported outcome measures of oral hygiene instruction methods for calibrated interdental brush

OBJECTIVES

To compare the efficacy and patient-reported outcome measures of oral hygiene instruction methods for calibrated interdental brush.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 60 participants, with 30 each in control and test group, participated in the study. Clinical examination included gingival index, full mouth bleeding scores and approximal plaque index. Supragingival scaling was performed. Interdental access probe was used to assess the size of interdental brush and corresponding interdental brush were given to the participants. For the control group, oral hygiene instructions were given through demonstration with model and video. For the test group, oral hygiene instructions were given through 'Touch-to-Teach' method. At 4-week follow-up, oral hygiene instructions were repeated to respective groups. After 3 months, clinical examination was done and exit survey on patient-reported outcome measures was administered. Statistical analysis was done.

RESULTS

Intergroup comparison of gingival index, full mouth bleeding index and approximal plaque index showed statistically significant difference between test and control group. 'Touch-to-Teach' method of oral hygiene instruction was found to be 'Good'. Acceptance of interdental brush was regarded to be 'Good'.

CONCLUSION

Within limitations of the study, Touch-to-Teach method of oral hygiene instruction method was found to be effective and more acceptable and participants used the interdental brush regularly.

Vestibuloplasty following denture hyperplasia resection with diode laser

Denture hyperplasia is a common clinical finding in patients wearing dentures. In this case report, a patient who was treated for denture hyperplasia presented with a post operative complication which led to inadequate vestibular depth. Inadequate vestibule is a common challenge dental surgeons encounter while considering fixed or removable prosthesis and implants. Objective is to achieve acceptable retention and aesthetics for the prosthesis by increasing the vestibular depth and also to manage the complication encountered during the resection procedure. Several techniques have been employed to increase the vestibular depth and the width of attached gingiva in the literature. In this case the denture hypereplasia was resected using diode laser which resulted in bone necrosis and opening of the wound post surgically. This was managed with curettage and PRF application. Following this the patient presented with inadequate vestibular depth. Vestibuloplasty was performed with Diode laser to deepen the vestibular depth and augment keratinized tissue to facilitate prosthetic rehabilitation. Three months following vestibuloplasy, patient presented with adequate vestibule. At six months follow up there was sufficient keratinized tissue to facilitate prosthetic rehabilitation. This case presents a unique way of managing a complication encountered after denture hyperplasia resection followed by vestibuloplasty with diode laser. The results obtained were clinically acceptable. PRF provides excellent results when used for the management of surgical complications like wound exposure. Laser technique is optimal for the treatment of soft tissue defects and is proven to be ideal for vestibuloplasty.

Low-level Laser Therapy in Combination with Desensitising Agent Reduces Dentin Hypersensitivity in Fluorotic and Non-fluorotic Teeth - A Randomised, Controlled, Double-blind Clinical Trial

PURPOSE

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a prevalent painful condition of the teeth, the management of which lies in the obliteration of patent dentinal tubules. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of 5% potassium nitrate (PN), low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and combination of low-level laser therapy and 5% potassium nitrate (LLLT+PN) in patients with fluorotic and non-fluorotic hypersensitive teeth.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ninety self reporting patients with DH completed the randomised, double-blind study. Patients were equally divided into fluorosis group (FG), with moderate to moderately severe fluorosis and the non-fluorosis group (NFG) and subdivided into 3 groups to receive PN, LLLT (810 nm, 1 W) alone and LLLT+PN. Each participant had at least one tooth eliciting a response of ≥ 3 on a visual analog scale (VAS) to evaporative, thermal and electric tactile stimulus (digital scratch-o-meter). The teeth were evaluated at baseline, 30 min post treatment, 1 week, 4 weeks and 12 weeks. The magnitude of pressure applied by the scratch-o-meter was also assessed for all three interventions.

RESULTS

Statistically, LLLT+PN was more effective in alleviating DH at all time intervals compared to baseline. However, statistically significant results (p ˂ 0.05) were seen with LLLT+PN at 12 weeks in FG. Magnitude of pressure applied showed statistically significant differences with LLLT+PN at 30 min post treatment.

CONCLUSION

LLLT+PN alleviated DH at all time intervals, with a greater effect in the fluorotic group. However, LLLT+PN was more efficacious in reducing DH at 12 weeks post treatment in the fluorotic group.

Dental unit water lines decontamination with the aid of nanotechnology

AIM

This article reviews the issue of dental unit waterline (DUWL) contamination which affects all the clinical and hospital settings. The contaminating microorganisms commonly isolated from these settings and the most pathogenic among them have serious consequences. Over the years several measures are inculcated for decontamination of water, their advantages and shortcomings have been addressed. Options using nanotechnology which are available in the market are described briefly.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A manual and electronic search was conducted. Google and PubMed were searched for relevant material from studies up to 2013. Medical Subject Headings words looked for were "Nanotechnology," "Water purification," and "Biofilms." Reviewed findings were summarized by topic, using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses statement for reporting. Seventy articles were shortlisted for articles pertaining to our topic of discussion. A systematic approach was followed by two independent reviewers and included eligibility criteria for study inclusion, data extraction, data synthesis, and drawing of conclusion.

RESULTS

Dental waterline contamination is widespread in any type of dental setting having serious implications on clinicians and patients alike, especially elderly and immune-compromised. Hence, international bodies like center for disease and control and American Dental Association have come up with stringent measures for maintenance of water quality. A gamut of procedures has been tried to overcome this problem ranging from chlorinated products, water filters to the usage of distilled water. The use of nanoemulsions, nanofilters, nanomembranes, etc., and their applicability for routine usage is discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Biofilm formation in DUWLs is inevitable with the subsequent release of part of microbiota into the otherwise sterile dental settings. These consequences can be quite serious on clinicians and dental patients. Though conventional measures in water decontamination have been partly successful, the quest for more foolproof methods has led to the use of latest technology, i.e., nanotechnology. The most practical option has to be chosen based on the ease of their usage.

The Autosomal Dominant Inheritance of Hereditary Gingival Fibromatosis: A Case Report

Hereditary gingival fibromatosis (HGF) is a rare disorder characterized by progressive and varying degrees of gingival overgrowth. Oral manifestations vary from minimal to generalized enlargement, and HGF may occur as an isolated disorder or a feature of a syndrome. Unaesthetic appearance and functional impairment due to excessive gingival tissue dictate the need for surgical intervention. This article describes a family with three generations afflicted with a non-syndromic form of HGF with distinctive clinical, histological characteristics. Further, it highlights the need for genetic analysis and appropriate surgical technique to manage gingival enlargement and avoid recurrence.

Analysis of matrix metalloproteinase-8 levels in gingival crevicular fluid and whole mouth fluid among smokers and nonsmokers using enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay and a novel chair-side test

AIM

To indigenously prepare a chair-side test kit for investigating and comparing the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) and saliva in patients with healthy periodontium, gingivitis and chronic periodontitis in smokers and nonsmokers. To validate the diagnostic accuracy of indigenously prepared chair-side test against enzyme-linked immune-sorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, to assess the effect of nonsurgical periodontal therapy (NSPT) on the levels of MMP-8 in GCF and saliva among the test groups.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

GCF and saliva were collected from 250 subjects. The study population were divided into five groups; health periodontium-nonsmokers (Group 1; n = 50), chronic gingivitis-nonsmokers (Group 2; n = 50), chronic periodontitis-nonsmokers (Group 3; n = 50), chronic gingivitis-smokers (Group 4; n = 50), chronic periodontitis-smokers (Group 5; n = 50). A chair-side test kit was indigenously prepared using polyclonal antibodies (principle of immunochromatography) to detect the MMP-8 levels, and it was validated against ELISA at baseline and 3 months after NSPT.

RESULTS

The chair-side test detected MMP-8 levels with a sensitivity and specificity in accordance with ELISA. MMP-8 levels at baseline were higher in Group 2 and Group 3 as compared to controls (P < 0.05), and decreased after therapy (P < 0.05). MMP-8 levels in GCF were greater than in saliva for all the groups, indicating GCF to be a better sample to detect the MMP levels.

CONCLUSION

The chair-side test detected MMP-8 levels accurately making it a viable chair side diagnostic tool. It was effective for early diagnosis of the periodontal disease among high-risk population such as smokers.

Furcation Measurements: Realities and Limitations

Furcation involvement is a common sequela of severe chronic periodontal disease. Its effective management has a profound influence on the outcome of periodontal therapy. For the efficient clinical management of furcation defects, it is necessary to have a reliable diagnostic tool that can accurately measure and quantify the furcation defect. This article addresses the various diagnostic methods available and assesses their limitations. Further, it also highlights some new frontiers in the field of furcation diagnosis and measurements.

Adjunctive Effects of A Piscean Collagen-Based Controlled-Release Chlorhexidine Chip in the Treatment of Chronic Periodontitis: A Clinical and Microbiological Study

INTRODUCTION

PerioChip a bovine origin gelatine based CHX chip has shown beneficial effects in the management of Chronic Periodontitis. A new fish collagen based CHX chip similar to PerioChip is currently available; however this product has not been thoroughly researched.

AIM

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new Piscean collagen-based controlled-release chlorhexidine chip (CHX chip) as an adjunctive therapy to scaling and root planing (SRP).

SETTINGS AND DESIGN

The study was conducted as a randomised, split-mouth, controlled clinical trial at Krishnadevaraya College of Dental Sciences, Bangalore, India.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In a split-mouth study involving 20 sites in 10 patients with chronic periodontitis, control sites received scaling and root planing and test sites received scaling and root planing (SRP) and the intrapocket CHX chip placement as an adjunct. Subgingival plaque samples were collected from both control and test sites at baseline, 11 days and 11 weeks and the anaerobic colony count were assessed. Clinical parameters that were recorded at baseline and 11 weeks were gingival index, Plaque index, Probing pocket depth (PPD), and Clinical attachment level (CAL). Plaque index was recorded additionally at 11 days.

RESULTS

In the test group there was a statistically significant reduction in the total anaerobic colony count, gingival index and plaque scores from baseline as compared to control sites at all time intervals. An additional 0.8mm reduction in mean probing pocket depth was noted in the test group. Gain in Clinical attachment level was comparable in both groups.

CONCLUSION

The adjunctive use of the new collagen-based CHX chip yielded significant antimicrobial benefit accompanied by a reduction in probing depth and a clinical attachment level gain as compared to SRP alone. This suggests that it may be a useful treatment option of nonsurgical periodontal treatment of chronic periodontitis.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in periodontics: A new paradigm

The quest for exploring new frontiers in the field of medical science for efficient and improved treatment modalities has always been on a rise. Extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) has been enormously used in medical practice, principally, for the management of urolithiasis, cholelithiasis and also in various orthopedic and musculoskeletal disorders. The efficacy of ESWT in the stimulation of osteoblasts, fibroblasts, induction of neovascularization and increased expression of bone morphogenic proteins has been well documented in the literature. However, dentistry is no exception to this trend. The present article enlightens the various applications of ESWT in the field of dentistry and explores its prospective applications in the field of periodontics, and the possibility of incorporating the beneficial properties of shock waves in improving the treatment outcome.

Comparative evaluation of transdermal diclofenac patch with oral diclofenac as an analgesic modality following root coverage procedures

Diclofenac sodium is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug and is effective in the management of pain following periodontal surgery. However, oral administration of diclofenac can lead to gastrointestinal (GI) complications. To overcome these drawbacks, diclofenac is formulated as a transdermal patch, which delivers the drug into systemic circulation through skin. Twenty patients were selected for root coverage procedures with subepithelial connective tissue grafts bilaterally. Following the surgical procedure on the control sites, oral diclofenac sodium 100 mg was administered QD for 3 days. Following the surgical procedure on the contralateral test site, a transdermal diclofenac patch (TDP) was applied every 24 hours for 3 days. The TDP was effective in postoperative pain control following root coverage procedures with subepithelial connective tissue grafts. Pain tolerance was higher with the TDP as compared to oral administration, as it did not cause any GI complications.

Current applications of nanotechnology in dentistry: a review

With the increasing demand for advances in diagnosis and treatment modalities, nanotechnology is being considered as a groundbreaking and viable research subject. This technology, which deals with matter in nanodimensions, has widened our views of poorly understood health issues and provided novel means of diagnosis and treatment. Researchers in the field of dentistry have explored the potential of nanoparticles in existing therapeutic modalities with moderate success. The key implementations in the field of dentistry include local drug delivery agents, restorative materials, bone graft materials, and implant surface modifications. This review provides detailed insights about current developments in the field of dentistry, and discusses potential future uses of nanotechnology.

Mechanized scaling with ultrasonics: Perils and proactive measures

Mechanized scaling for plaque removal is a routine procedure in the practice of periodontics. Though it appears innocuous by itself, there are retinues of hazards associated with it on various organ systems in the body. Some of these unwanted effects and measures to avoid or ameliorate the same are elaborated here. Exposure to ultrasonic scaling is inevitable before any other treatment procedure. Aerosol contamination, vibrational hazards, thermal effects on the dental pulp, altered vascular dynamics, disruption in electromagnetic device, diminished hearing and dental unit waterline contamination are some of the probable off-shoots a patient has to bear. Uses of barrier devices, proper attention to usage of equipment, protection for ear and water treatment are few of solutions for the same. Though documented evidence for the existence of all effects is lacking, it is never the less significant for the overall safety of the patient. A conscientious clinician should therefore inculcate the available steps to overcome the hazards of ultrasonic scaling.

Comparative volumetric and clinical evaluation of peri-implant sulcular fluid and gingival crevicular fluid

Purpose

Peri-implant sulcular fluid (PISF) has a production mechanism similar to gingival crevicular fluid (GCF). However, limited research has been performed comparing their behavior in response to inflammation. Hence, the aim of the present study was to comparatively evaluate PISF and GCF volume with varying degrees of clinical inflammatory parameters.

Methods

Screening of patients was conducted. Based on the perimucosal inflammatory status, 39 loaded implant sites were selected from 24 patients, with equal numbers of sites in healthy, peri-implant mucositis, and peri-implantitis subgroups. GCF collection was done from age- and sex-matched dentate patients, selected with gingival inflammatory status corresponding to the implant sites. Assessment of the inflammatory status for dental/implant sites was performed using probing depth (PD), plaque index/modified plaque index (PI/mPI), gingival index/simplified gingival index (GI/sGI), and modified sulcular bleeding index (BI). Sample collection was done using standardized absorbent paper strips with volumetric evaluation performed via an electronic volume quantification device.

Results

Positive correlation of the PISF and GCF volume was seen with increasing PD and clinical inflammatory parameters. A higher correlation of GCF with PD (0.843) was found when compared to PISF (0.771). PISF expressed a higher covariation with increasing grades of sGI (0.885), BI (0.841), and mPI (0.734), while GCF established a moderately positive correlation with GI (0.694), BI (0.696), and PI (0.729).

Conclusions

Within the limitations of this study, except for minor fluctuations, GCF and PISF volumes demonstrated a similar nature and volumetric pattern through increasing grades of inflammation, with PISF showing better correlation with the clinical parameters.

MMP-8 analysis in gingival crevicular fluid using ELISA and novel chair-side test

AIM: To validate accuracy of a novel chair-side test for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8 as compared to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in Periodontal health and disease.

METHODS: Gingival crevicular fluid was collected from 150 subjects, Group 1 (healthy) - 50 subjects, Group 2 (gingivitis) - 50 subjects and Group 3 (chronic periodontitis) - 50 subjects. A chair-side test strip was indigenously prepared using polyclonal antibodies (principle of immunochromatography) to detect the MMP-8 levels. The detection accuracy (sensitivity and specificity) of the MMP-8 levels by chair-side test kit were compared with ELISA at baseline and 3 mo after scaling and root planing among the study population.

RESULTS: The novel chair side test detected MMP-8 levels in accordance with ELISA which at baseline were higher in Group 2 and Group 3 as compared to controls (P < 0.05), and these enzyme levels decreased after therapy (P < 0.05). The chair-side test could differentiate healthy, gingivitis and periodontitis. The detection accuracy of the chair-side test strip were on par with ELISA (sensitivity 92.9% and specificity of 100%) which were statistically significant (P < 0.05). A desire to arouse interest about periodontal health and maintenance in the Indian population provided a strong rationale for us to develop our chair-side test strips to suit our economy. Moreover, this was the first ever effort to develop and validate a chair-side test strip to detect MMP-8 levels in the Indian population. This test can be used on a large scale in private dental practice for the early detection of disease, tapping the sites at risk for disease, alongside helps in patient education and motivation for maintenance.

CONCLUSION: This study shows that the novel chair side test kit detects MMP-8 levels a biomarker of periodontal disease progression accurately making it a good chair side diagnostic tool. Further, it is cost effective and time saving which can make it applicable in private dental practice on a large scale for the early detection of periodontal disease.

Peripheral osteoma of the hard palate

Osteomas are benign slow growing, osteogenic lesions which may arise from proliferation of either cancellous or compact bone. They are usually sessile tumours composed of dense sclerotic, well formed bone projecting out from the cortical surface, most often of the skull and facial bones. This paper reports a case of a peripheral osteoma in the hard palate of a 45-year-old man, which was treated by periodontal flap surgery with surgical excision of the bony lesion. Peripheral osteomas of jaw bone are uncommon and usually associated with Gardner's syndrome. Histological examination confirmed the clinical impression of a peripheral osteoma. Patient was reviewed after one year and was asymptomatic with no recurrence of the lesion.

Fibrin glue application in conjunction with tetracycline hydrochloride root conditioning and semilunar coronally repositioned flap in the treatment of gingival recession

The purpose of this case report is to present the results of Fibrin Adhesive System (FAS) application, a topical biological tissue adhesive in the treatment of maxillary buccal recessions. A 40-year-old male patient presented with a pair of class I buccal recession defects on maxillary cuspids. Clinical parameters were recorded at baseline, 1 month, and 3 months. Semilunar coronally repositioned flap (Tarnow's technique), root debridement, root conditioning with tetracycline hydrochloride solution and one of the defect was treated with FAS application. Significant recession, height reduction, and attachment gain were observed with the FAS application defect site. About 50% of root coverage was noted in the FAS-treated defect and almost no root coverage in the defect site with no FAS application. Semilunar coronally repositioned flap with FAS application is an effective procedure for root coverage in anterior teeth. The addition of FAS improves the amount of root coverage, especially in relatively shallow defects.

Alveolar ridge augmentation--a case series

This study presents case reports of patients with osseous defects who were treated with autogenous bone grafts from the symphysis region, alloplast grafts with barrier membrane, and the use of free gingival onlay grafts for alveolar ridge augmentation. The patients were followed for a period of six months.

Comparison of two different forms of varnishes in the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity: a subject-blind randomised clinical study

PURPOSE

Dentine hypersensitivity is one of the most frequently recorded complaints of dental discomfort. Current evidence implicates patent dentinal tubules in hypersensitive dentine, and it follows that one effective way to reduce dentine sensitivity is to occlude the dentinal tubules. The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of two different desensitising agents, Cervitec varnish and Gluma varnish.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Two hundred fifty patients self-reporting dentine hypersensitivity completed the paired split mouth randomised, subject-blind study. Each participant had a minimum of two sensitive teeth in at least two different quadrants and displaying a response of ≥3 cm to an evaporative stimulus. The hypersensitivity levels were measured with a tactile stimulus (scratchometer), thermal stimulus (cold water test), and an evaporative stimulus (air blast test) using a visual analogue scale. The teeth were evaluated immediately after treatment, and at 4 and 12 weeks after application of the chlorhexidine-containing varnish Cervitec and the glutaraldehyde-containing varnish, Gluma Desensitizer.

RESULTS

Statistical analysis indicated that both the desensitising varnishes were effective in alleviating dentine hypersensitivity at all time intervals compared to baseline. There was a highly statistically significantly greater reduction in dentine hypersensitivity to evaporative stimulus, cold stimulus, and tactile stimulus after application of Cervitec than after Gluma Desensitizer (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Both the varnishes have a therapeutic potential to alleviate dentine hypersensitivity at all time intervals compared to baseline. However, Cervitec varnish is more efficacious in reducing dentine hypersensitivity than Gluma varnish at both 4 weeks and 12 weeks post-treatment.