Comparison between 940 nm Laser Diode and Topical 5 % Potassium Nitrate for Tooth Desensitization. Randomized Controlled Clinical trial

Purpose: To compare the effectiveness of two dental desensitization therapies, 940 nm laser diode and potassium nitrate, in patients with dental hypersensitivity (DH) symptoms. Methods: This randomized clinical trial included 30 patients who initially underwent basic periodontal therapy and presented gingival recessions Class I and II (Miller 1985) with symptoms of DH. Subjects were randomly assigned into two groups. The first group (n = 15) received laser 940 nm application for 90 seconds on the surface of the recession and were given a tube of glycerin to be applied daily in order to avoid generating bias. Patients in the second group (n = 15) were exposed to inactive laser simulating the actual application of the laser, and they were given a desensitizing gel containing 0.5 g of potassium nitrate to be applied twice daily during 14 days. Controls were carried out at 15 minutes, 8 days, 15 days, and 4 weeks. Data obtained were filled out in an Excel table. For comparison between groups the Mann Whitney U and t student tests were used (p=0.05). Results: All patients involve in the study experienced reduction in DH (p<0.01) and differences between the two interventions performed. Conclusions: Laser and nitrate therapies were effective to manage DH after basic periodontal therapy. However, a statistically significant higher sensitivity reduction was observed in laser therapy group.