Desensitizing Agent Reduces Dentin Hypersensitivity During Ultrasonic Scaling: A Pilot Study.
BACKGROUND
Dentin hypersensitivity can interfere with optimal periodontal care by dentists and patients. The pain associated with dentin hypersensitivity during ultrasonic scaling is intolerable for patient and interferes with the procedure, particularly during supportive periodontal therapy (SPT) for patients with gingival recession.


OBJECTIVE
This study proposed to evaluate the desensitizing effect of the oxalic acid agent on pain caused by dentin hypersensitivity during ultrasonic scaling.


METHODS
This study involved 12 patients who were incorporated in SPT program and complained of dentin hypersensitivity during ultrasonic scaling. We examined the availability of the oxalic acid agent to compare the degree of pain during ultrasonic scaling with or without the application of the dentin hypersensitivity agent. Evaluation of effects on dentin hypersensitivity was determined by a questionnaire and visual analog scale (VAS) pain scores after ultrasonic scaling. The statistical analysis was performed using the paired Student t-test and Spearman rank correlation coefficient.


RESULTS
The desensitizing agent reduced the mean VAS pain score from 69.33 ± 16.02 at baseline to 26.08 ± 27.99 after application. The questionnaire revealed that >80% patients were satisfied and requested the application of the desensitizing agent for future ultrasonic scaling sessions.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that the application of the oxalic acid agent considerably reduces pain associated with dentin hypersensitivity experienced during ultrasonic scaling. This pain control treatment may improve patient participation and treatment efficiency.
Reseach Associate, Peirodontology, Department of Bio-Matrix, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan .
Tomonari
T
Suda
Lecturer, Peirodontology, Department of Bio-Matrix, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan .
Hiroaki
H
Kobayashi
Registered Dentist, Periodontology, Department of Bio-Matrix, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan .
Toshiharu
T
Akiyama
Research Student, Periodontology, Department of Bio-Matrix, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan .
Takuya
T
Takano
Graduate Student, Periodontology, Department of Bio-Matrix, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan .
Misa
M
Gokyu
Graduate Student, Periodontology, Department of Bio-Matrix, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan .
Takeaki
T
Sudo
Graduate Student, Periodontology, Department of Bio-Matrix, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan .
Thatawee
T
Khemwong
Professor, Periodontology, Department of Bio-Matrix, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Tokyo Medical and Dental University , Tokyo, Japan .
Yuichi
Y
Izumi
Oxalic acid; Periodontal health; SPT