A review of the active agents available for treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity

Currently available for treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity are a number of active agents with various degrees of effectiveness. Some of these agents are suitable only for professional application while others can be used by individuals personally in settings outside the dental office. Mechanisms by which these active agents might modify dentin to decrease sensitivity are explored in this review. Published data on the efficacy of various agents, much of it conflicting, is critically examined. Many clinical investigations report a large placebo effect. No single agent has yet been shown to provide all of the desirable qualities of an ideal desensitizer.