Effect of an experimental desensitizing agent on reduction of bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity: A triple-blind randomized clinical trial

Abstract Background In this randomized study, split-mouth, triple-blind clinical trial, the authors evaluated the efficacy of a desensitizing gel that contained 5% potassium nitrate and 5% glutaraldehyde applied before in-office bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP). Methods Treatment with the desensitizing or placebo control gels was randomly assigned to one-half of the maxillary teeth of 42 patients in a split-mouth design. The desensitizing gels were applied and maintained in contact with the tooth enamel for 10 minutes, followed by 2 HP bleaching sessions separated by 1 week. The primary outcome variable was pain intensity assessed with a numeric rating scale and a visual analog scale. Color was evaluated by means of a digital spectrophotometer and a value-oriented shade guide. Results The difference in risk of developing tooth sensitivity between the desensitizing gel group (31.7%, 95% confidence interval [CI], 19.6 to 46.9) and the control group (70.7%; 95% CI, 55.5 to 82.3%) was statistically significant ( P P Conclusions Application of desensitizing gel that contained 5% potassium nitrate and 5% glutaraldehyde before HP whitening reduced the risk and severity of dental sensitivity, without altering the effectiveness of whitening. Practical Implications A single application of desensitizing gel that contained 5% potassium nitrate and 5% glutaraldehyde can reduce tooth sensitivity after dental bleaching systems.