title: Instant dentin hypersensitivity relief of a single topical application of an in-office desensitizing paste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate: a split-mouth, randomized-controlled study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical efficacy of an in-office desensitizing paste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate relative to calcium carbonate alone in the reduction of dentin hypersensitivity in a randomized, double-blind, split-mouth clinical trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty teeth (30 subjects) with an air blast hypersensitivity score of 2 or 3 (Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale) were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: (1) test paste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate (elmex sensitive professional desensitizing paste) and (2) control paste: paris white (calcium carbonate). Tactile and air blast dentin hypersensitivity examinations were performed at baseline, immediately after paste application and 4 and 12 weeks later.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A statistically significant difference in air blast (p = 0.001) and tactile (p = 0.047) hypersensitivity reduction over time was observed between the two therapy modes. After 12-weeks, statistically significant differences were indicated between the test and control group with respect to baseline-adjusted mean tactile (41.94%; p = 0.038) and air blast hypersensitivity scores (46.5%; p = 0.017).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The tested in-office desensitizing paste containing 8.0% arginine and calcium carbonate provides significantly greater hypersensitivity relief compared to calcium carbonate alone.
authors.affiliation: Department of Restorative and Operative Dentistry, Dental School, Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. ines.kapferer@gmx.net
authors.forename: Ines
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kapferer
authors.forename: Claudia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Pflug
authors.forename: Irene
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Kisielewsky
authors.forename: Johannes
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Giesinger
authors.forename: Ulrike S
authors.initials: US
authors.lastname: Beier
authors.forename: Herbert
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Dumfahrt
mesh_terms: D000287:Administration, Topical; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001120:Arginine / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002119:Calcium Carbonate / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009819:Office Visits; D014100:Toothpastes; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014100:Toothpastes; D001120:Arginine; D002119:Calcium Carbonate