Hydroxyapatite, a potent agent to reduce dentin hypersensitivity.

OBJECTIVE To review different modes of application of hydroxyapatite for treatment of dentin hypersensitivity via dentinal tubule occlusion. METHODS Literature search for the systematic review was done using key words 'hydroxyapatite and dentin hypersensitivity', 'hydroxyapatite and dentinal tubule occlusion', 'hydroxyapatite and dentin permeability', and 'dentinal tubule occlusion' on Pubmed, Science Direct and Web of Science databases for articles published over 10 years, from 2009 to 2018. RESULTS Of the 132 research articles initially identified, 97(73.5%) related to the 10-year study period. After detailed screening, 16(16.5%) studies were included. The results of in vitro studies showed that application of hydroxyapatite caused dentinal tubule occlusion leading to reduction in dentin permeability and reduction in dentin hypersensitivity. CONCLUSIONS Hydroxyapatite has the potential to reduce dentin hypersensitivity via dentinal tubule occlusion within 2-8 weeks.