title: Treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity using low-level laser therapy and 5% potassium nitrate: A randomized, controlled, three arm parallel clinical study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The present randomized study was aimed to compare the efficacy 5% potassium nitrate (KNO3) toothpaste, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and LLLT with 5% KNO3toothpaste in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity (DH).
  
  
  METHODS
  Total of 45 patients complaining of DH with visual analog scale (VAS) score being ≥2 were recruited and were divided into three groups. Group A was treated with 5% KNO3toothpaste, Group B using LLLT along with the application of 5% KNO3toothpaste, and Group C using LLLT alone. VAS scores were recorded at the baseline, 1st, 2nd, and 3rdweeks by the examiner who is blinded toward the treatment. The sensitivity response was evaluated using air spray and tactile sensation (explorer).
  
  
  RESULTS
  A greater reduction of DH was recorded at the end of 3 weeks in Group C and Group B when compared to Group A. Better results were noted in Group C at the end of the 1stweek when compared to Group B. According to this study, there was no additional benefit of using toothpaste along with LLLT.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  A greater reduction of DH was recorded at the end of 3 weeks in Group C and Group B when compared to Group A. Better results were noted in Group C at the end of the 1stweek when compared to Group B. According to this study, there was no additional benefit of using toothpaste along with LLLT.
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery, Hyderabad, Vikarabad, India.
authors.forename: Ruchi
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Pandey
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery, Hyderabad, Vikarabad, India.
authors.forename: Pradeep
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Koppolu
authors.affiliation: Department of Preventive Dental Sciences, Al Farabi Colleges, Riyadh, KSA.
authors.forename: Butchibabu
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Kalakonda
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery, Hyderabad, Vikarabad, India.
authors.forename: Bolla Vijaya
authors.initials: BV
authors.lastname: Lakshmi
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery, Hyderabad, Vikarabad, India.
authors.forename: Ashank
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Mishra
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery, Hyderabad, Vikarabad, India.
authors.forename: Pathakota Krishnajaneya
authors.initials: PK
authors.lastname: Reddy
authors.affiliation: Department of Periodontics, Sri Sai College of Dental Surgery, Hyderabad, Vikarabad, India.
authors.forename: Appaiah Chowdary
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Bollepalli
keywords: Dentinal hypersensitivity; diode Laser; low-level laser therapy