Comparative evaluation of dentinal tubule occlusion following brushing simulation with biomimetic desensitizing toothpastes and diode laser: An in vitro scanning electron microscopic study
Ganachari Vydyam Abhigna, Sandeep Rudranaik, Sahadev Chickmagravalli Krishnegowda, Bharath Makonahalli Jaganath, Raghu Kachenahalli NarasimhaiahAbstract
Background:
Contemporary management of dentinal hypersensitivity increasingly focuses on achieving durable dentinal tubule occlusion through biomimetic materials and laser-assisted therapy.
Aim:
To comparatively evaluate the efficacy of nanohydroxyapatite toothpaste, bioactive glass-based toothpaste, and diode laser therapy in occluding dentinal tubules using scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis.
Materials and Methods:
Forty extracted human premolar teeth were used to prepare standardized dentin discs measuring 2 mm in thickness. The specimens were etched using 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (SafeEndo Smart Prep liquid) for 2 minutes to expose dentinal tubules and randomly allocated into four groups (
Results:
Diode laser treatment demonstrated the highest degree of dentinal tubule occlusion (92%), followed by bioactive glass toothpaste (80%) and nanohydroxyapatite toothpaste (72%). Both toothpaste groups exhibited significantly greater tubule occlusion than the control group (8%).
Conclusion:
Diode laser demonstrated superior dentinal tubule occlusion compared to nanohydroxyapatite and bioactive glass-based toothpastes. Bioactive glass toothpaste showed greater efficacy than nanohydroxyapatite toothpaste.