Comparison of two desensitizing agents for the treatment of cervical dentine sensitivity

Numerous desensitizing agents have been utilized in an effort to alleviate the discomfort associated with cervical dentine sensitivity (CDS). Recently several new tubule-occluding and sealant systems have been marketed for treatment. The aim of this study was to compare two desensitizing agents (ALL-BOND 2 and Butler Protect) in a 3-month clinical study. Ten subjects (6F; 4M mean age 45.1 years (SD 8.81) who had provided voluntary written informed consent participated in a single-blind 3-month clinical study. Subjects were evaluated for tactile (Yeaple probe) and air sensitivity (dental air syringe) together with subjective perception of pain (VAS scores) at 0.5 min, 1, 2 and 3 months. There was an overall trend in reduction of CDS over the study period in all groups with no significant differences detected between groups. The results suggested that while subjects reported overall reductions in sensitivity levels, this may not necessarily be substantiated when assessed objectively. Furthermore, there appeared to be a strong placebo effect in this study.