Gallium-aluminum-arsenide laser vs. potassium nitrate for dentinal hypersensitivity.

| Posted in: Science

Journal name: Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
Original article title: Comparative clinical evaluation of gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode laser and potassium nitrate in treating dentinal hypersensitivity
The Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology (JISP) publishes original scientific articles on periodontology (the study of supporting structures of teeth) and oral implantology. It is a bimonthly open-access journal with special issues for specific occasions.
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Original source:

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Author:

Siddharth Tevatia, Vivek Khatri, Nikhil Sharma, Vidya Dodwad


Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology:

(A bimonthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: Comparative clinical evaluation of gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode laser and potassium nitrate in treating dentinal hypersensitivity

Year: 2017 | Doi: 10.4103/jisp.jisp_310

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a common chronic condition characterized by sharp pain in response to various stimuli, affecting many dental patients. Despite its prevalence, a standardized treatment protocol for DH remains elusive. While traditional therapies often include desensitizing agents, emerging treatment strategies such as laser therapies are being explored for their potential effectiveness. This study aimed to address DH utilizing minimal chemical concentrations and low laser energy levels, assessing the treatment results over a longer follow-up period.

Synergistic Treatment Approach

The research involved 120 patients diagnosed with DH, who were randomly assigned to four treatment groups: 5% potassium nitrate (KNO₃), gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode laser, a combination of both, and a placebo group. Over the six-week period, pain levels were measured using a visual analog scale (VAS) in response to tactile, cold water, and air blast stimuli. Results indicated that the combination of 5% KNO₃ and the diode laser significantly alleviated pain, achieving a reduction of up to 99% by the end of the study. The diode laser alone also demonstrated better efficacy compared to KNO₃, thus emphasizing the advantages of a synergistic approach in treating DH.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that the combined application of KNO₃ and diode laser is a promising treatment strategy for patients suffering from DH. This synergistic method not only maximizes pain relief but also highlights the potential benefits of integrating chemical agents with laser therapy. Given the significant pain reduction observed, this approach may provide a more effective long-term solution for managing DH. Further research into the mechanisms of action and broader geographical studies may be warranted to enhance understanding and application of this treatment combination.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is dentinal hypersensitivity (DH)?

Dentinal hypersensitivity (DH) is a chronic condition characterized by sharp pain in response to various stimuli, such as cold or pressure, usually due to exposure of dentin.

What treatments were studied for DH in the research?

The study evaluated four treatments: 5% potassium nitrate, gallium-aluminum-arsenide diode laser, both 5% potassium nitrate and laser combined, and a placebo/control treatment.

What was the effectiveness of combining potassium nitrate with laser treatment?

The combined application of 5% potassium nitrate and the diode laser significantly reduced pain levels, achieving nearly complete pain relief in patients after six weeks.

How was pain measured in the study?

Pain was measured using a visual analog scale (VAS), with scores ranging from 0 (no pain) to 10 (intolerable pain), assessed through tactile, cold water, and air blast tests.

What were the main findings of the study?

The study found that the synergistic use of potassium nitrate and laser treatment was the most effective method for long-term relief from dentinal hypersensitivity compared to other treatments.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Gallium-aluminum-arsenide laser vs. potassium nitrate for dentinal hypersensitivity.”. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Table:
In the context of the research and presentation, a table serves as a structured way to display data, comparisons, and results effectively. It allows readers to quickly interpret statistical findings and visualize differences in treatment efficacy among various groups, thus enhancing understanding of the study’s outcomes and relevance to dentinal hypersensitivity (DH).

2) Study (Studying):
This term refers to the systematic investigation conducted to gain new knowledge about dentinal hypersensitivity (DH). The study involved random assignment of patients into different treatment groups to evaluate and compare the effectiveness of potassium nitrate and laser treatments, ultimately guiding better clinical practices in managing DH.

3) Pain:
Pain is a critical aspect of dentinal hypersensitivity (DH), characterized by sharp discomfort resulting from stimuli. Understanding pain levels through the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) enables practitioners to assess treatment efficacy objectively, determine the severity of DH in patients, and tailor intervention strategies appropriately for long-term relief.

4) Water:
Water, particularly in the form of cold-water tests, plays a significant role in evaluating dentinal hypersensitivity (DH). The response to cold stimuli provides insights into the sensitivity of dentin, aiding clinicians in assessing the impact of various treatments and understanding the mechanisms underlying DH pain among patients.

5) Gala (Galam):
This refers to the gallium-aluminum-arsenide (GaAlAs) diode laser used in the study. GaAlAs lasers are known for their efficacy in dental treatments, and their role in this research highlights innovative approaches in managing dentinal hypersensitivity through laser therapy, which enhances patient comfort and treatment outcomes.

6) Surface:
The surface of teeth, particularly where dentin is exposed, is crucial to understanding dentinal hypersensitivity (DH). Treatment interventions focus on the tooth surface during applications of potassium nitrate and laser therapy, determining how effective these treatments can seal dentinal tubules and provide relief from sensitivity.

7) Post:
In the context of this study, 'post' is often linked to postoperative assessments which measure pain levels after treatment applications. These evaluations help determine the effectiveness of the treatment regimen over time, contributing to the overall understanding of long-term relief strategies for patients suffering from dentinal hypersensitivity (DH).

8) Garnet:
Referring to the laser type, garnet in dental applications indicates a category of lasers (such as Nd:YAG or Er:YAG). Their significance lies in their capacity for precise and effective treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity, providing methodologies for sealing dentin and reducing pain, thus improving patient outcomes systematically.

9) Pulse:
In dental laser applications, 'pulse' refers to the mode of laser delivery. Pulsed laser treatments can enhance the precision of energy application on sensitive areas, minimizing thermal effects while maximizing the sealing of dentinal tubules, making it a significant factor in alleviating dentinal hypersensitivity (DH).

10) Sign:
The term 'sign' can indicate both clinical signs of sensitivity and statistical significance in results. Identifying signs of pain or improvement in patients provides essential feedback on treatment effectiveness, enabling practitioners to modify methods and enhance outcomes for individuals suffering from dentinal hypersensitivity (DH).

11) Line:
Line may refer to the methods of delivering treatments or possibly mean guidelines in practice. Establishing clear lines of protocol in the application of treatments for dentinal hypersensitivity ensures that best practices are followed, allowing for reproducibility and standardization in clinical settings to optimize patient care.

12) Discussion:
The discussion section of the study allows researchers to interpret findings, drawing connections between results and existing literature on dentinal hypersensitivity. This dialogue encourages exploration of treatment efficacy, offers insights for future research, and suggests improvements in managing DH, ultimately contributing to advancements in dental sciences.

13) Knowledge:
Knowledge encompasses the understanding gained from research outcomes about dentinal hypersensitivity. It is vital for developing effective treatment strategies and can lead to better patient care, as newly garnered insights from studies can enhance the educational foundation of practitioners treating DH visibly and practically.

14) Disease:
Diseases like dentinal hypersensitivity represent specific health conditions impacting dental patients. Understanding the mechanisms and effective treatments for such diseases allows dental professionals to make informed decisions, enhancing patient comfort and satisfaction while addressing chronic discomfort associated with hypersensitivity.

15) Hygiene (Hygienic):
Oral hygiene plays a significant role in managing dentinal hypersensitivity. Educating patients on proper oral hygiene techniques can help mitigate factors contributing to exposure and sensitivity, ultimately reducing the severity of symptoms and improving the effectiveness of treatments administered.

16) Science (Scientific):
Science forms the backbone of the study, driving the inquiry into therapeutic techniques for managing dentinal hypersensitivity. Scientific principles guide the experimental design, data analysis, and interpretation of results, ensuring that findings are robust, reliable, and applicable to clinical practice.

17) Debate:
The ongoing debate surrounding the most effective treatments for dentinal hypersensitivity underscores the complexity of the condition. Engaging in scientific debate fosters a deeper understanding of treatment options, encourages further research, and ultimately leads to improved practices in dental care for those affected.

18) Cotton:
Cotton is used in dental practice, notably for isolating treatment areas. In studies evaluating dentinal hypersensitivity, cotton rolls can help maintain a dry work area, allowing for accurate application of treatments and minimizing contamination that could affect the outcomes of laser or chemical therapies.

19) Kumar:
Kumar likely refers to the author or researcher involved in studies about treatments for dentinal hypersensitivity. The contributions of individuals like Kumar add credibility and context to the findings, providing perspectives and expertise that drive forward the understanding and management of DH.

20) Visit:
Visits to dental practitioners are essential for patients experiencing dentinal hypersensitivity. Regular visits facilitate ongoing assessments, timely interventions, and the opportunity to re-evaluate treatment efficacy, ultimately contributing to long-term management strategies tailored to individual patient needs.

21) Inci (Imci):
Inch may refer to measurements utilized in the study, particularly in evaluating the effectiveness of treatments. Precision in measurement is crucial in dental research, ensuring that treatment applications and outcomes are appropriately quantified, allowing for accurate comparisons among different methodologies applied.

22) Pur:
Poor oral hygiene and care practices can exacerbate dentinal hypersensitivity. Understanding the correlation between lifestyle factors and the severity of DH underscores the importance of patient education. Enhancing awareness about the impacts of poor hygiene informs better prevention and management strategies in dental care.

Other Science Concepts:

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Discover the significance of concepts within the article: ‘Gallium-aluminum-arsenide laser vs. potassium nitrate for dentinal hypersensitivity.’. Further sources in the context of Science might help you critically compare this page with similair documents:

Treatment strategies, Clinical study, Follow Up Period, Visual analog scale, Ethics Committee approval, One-way ANOVA, Patient education, Placebo control, Tactile stimuli, Histological analysis, Dentinal hypersensitivity, Potassium nitrate, Bonferroni correction.

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