A split‐mouth placebo‐controlled study to determine the effect of amorphous calcium phosphate in the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity

Abstract

Many treatments for dentine hypersensitivity are formulated to directly or indirectly occlude the open dentinal tubules associated with the condition. Combining solutions of calcium chloride and potassium phosphate can result in the precipitation of amorphous calcium phosphate. Such a system applied to exposed dentine could occlude dentinal tubules and reduce sensitivity. The aims of this study using a placebo control were to assess the therapeutic value of amorphous calcium phosphate in dentine hypersensitivity and provide further information on the apparently natural improvement in the condition frequently observed in clinical trials. 38 subjects with dentine hypersensitivity affecting 1 tooth in each left and right sides of the jaws were recruited into this split mouth, randomised, double-blind study. At baseline, sensitivity was scored by the subjects on a 0-10 visual apologue scale after tactile, cool and cold water and evaporative stimulation of the test teeth. Active and control, water, solutions were then applied by a 2nd clinician. After 24 h, subjects returned for rescoring. On days 7 and 14, subjects were again rescored and the treatments reapplied. Further follow-up appointments for rescoring were on days 21, 28, 56 and 84. Plaque scores also were recorded from test teeth at each visit. Overall sensitivity decreased considerably and to a similar degree in test and control teeth with no consistent significant treatment difference. Plaque scores also decreased through the study period. It is concluded that either the amorphous calcium phosphate was without therapeutic effect or the activity was masked by the placebo response in the control teeth.

Dentin hypersensitivity after treatment with desensitizing agents: a randomized, double-blind, split-mouth clinical trial

“…Several treatment modalities and agents have been used in the management and resolution of dentin hypersensitivity, but their efficacy has varied from one study to another and it is not yet established in the literature (2,15,(20)(21)(22)(23). Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms and etiology of this uncomfortable clinical condition.…”

“…This mechanism explains why desensitizing agents usually act in short-and longterm bases (11,12). Calcium chloride and potassium phosphate solutions have been tested in vitro (13,14) and in vivo (15), and may work similarly. Both approaches have shown very promising results in treating dentin hypersensitivity.…”

Replica of human dentin treated with different desensitizing agents: a methodological SEM study in vitro

“…Potassium oxalate is a desensitizing agent that acts not only by obliterating the dentinal tubules, with the precipitation of calcium oxalate crystals on the surface and inside the dentinal tubules, but also by depolarization of nerve endings. Calcium chloride and potassium phosphate solutions have been tested in vitro (3,4) and in vivo (5), and may work similarly. Both approaches have shown very promising results in treating dentin hypersensitivity.…”

Occluding Effect of Nd:YAG Laser and Different Dentin Desensitizing Agents on Human Dentinal Tubules In Vitro: A Scanning Electron Microscopy Investigation

“…Applied to exposed dentin, such a system could occlude dentinal tubules and reduce sensitivity. 11 Quell Desensitizer, which was used in this study, forms a gel on the surface of the tooth that deposits amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) on the dentin surface and into the open dentinal tubules, according to the manufacturer.…”