title: Control of dentin/root sensitivity during non-surgical and surgical periodontal treatment.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the efficacy of a desensitizing regimen compared to a control in preventing the occurrence and/or alleviating dentin/root sensitivity (DRS) following non-surgical (NSPT) and surgical periodontal treatment (SPT).
  
  
  METHODS
  Seventy-four chronic-periodontitis patients (CPP) were randomized into a test group (n = 38) using an in-office prophylaxis paste and a toothpaste at home both containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate (Pro-Argin(™) Technology) or into a control group (n = 36) receiving a fluoride-free prophylaxis paste and a fluoride toothpaste. The examiner applied the assigned paste onto selected teeth for 3 s following NSPT and for 60 s before flap closure. Patients brushed with the assigned toothpaste twice daily throughout the study. DRS to air stimulus was assessed by the Schiff scale (0-3) and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS: 0-100 mm) six times over 17 weeks.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In the test group, VAS scores significantly decreased at 8, 11 and 17 weeks from baseline (p ≤ 0.003) and Schiff scores at 8 and 11 weeks from baseline (p ≤ 0.014). The control group exhibited significant increases in VAS and Schiff during the study period (p ≤ 0.006). Marked inter-group differences were noted at all time points (p < 0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combined use of desensitizing products (8% arginine and calcium carbonate) in-office and at-home prevented DRS development and maintained this effect for 17 weeks following NSPT and SPT.
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Implant Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Nantin Panagiota
authors.initials: NP
authors.lastname: Giassin
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Implant Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Danae Anastasia
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-4972-9532
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Apatzidou
authors.affiliation: Colgate-Palmolive, Athens, Greece.
authors.forename: Katerina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Solomou
authors.affiliation: LRM Statistical Consulting, Hoboken, NJ, USA.
authors.forename: Luis R
authors.initials: LR
authors.lastname: Mateo
authors.affiliation: Colgate-Palmolive Co., Pistaway, NJ, USA.
authors.forename: Fotinos S
authors.initials: FS
authors.lastname: Panagakos
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dentistry, Periodontology and Implant Biology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
authors.forename: Antonis
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Konstantinidis
mesh_terms: D001120:Arginine; D003804:Dentin; D057133:Dentin Desensitizing Agents; D003807:Dentin Sensitivity / Q000188:drug therapy; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D005459:Fluorides; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010510:Periodontal Diseases; D014099:Toothbrushing; D014100:Toothpastes; D014110:Touch; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D057133:Dentin Desensitizing Agents; D014100:Toothpastes; D001120:Arginine; D005459:Fluorides
keywords: arginine; dentin root sensitivity; desensitizing agents; periodontal surgery; scaling and root planing