Investigation of dentinal tubule occlusion by a desensitizing dentifrice: an in-vitro SEM analysis

Abstract

Background: Exposed and open dentinal tubules cause dentin hypersensitivity, which is a common clinical condition, and agents which can occlude dentinal tubules are of great therapeutic interest in this condition.

Objective: The aim of this study was to compare the dentin tubule-occluding effect of a dentifrice containing Pro-Argin Technology (Colgate Sensitive Plus) to patent dentin tubule-occluding effect of Pro-Argin Technology.

Methods: The methods involved preparation of twenty dentin discs and random assignment of these to two groups: one consisting of untreated (control) discs and the other consisting of dentin discs treated with the Pro-Argin dentifrice. The diameter of dentin tubules was examined and measured in both groups by scanning electron microscopy (SEM).

Results: Clear morphological differences between the two groups were determined by SEM imaging. Dentin tubules were mostly open and patent in the untreated control discs. On the contrary, all the dentifrice treated samples showed the presence of material on the dentin surface, filling the dentinal tubules, and to a large extent reducing and/or closing the dentin tubule openings.

Conclusion: From the results of the SEM analysis and relevant statistical analysis, it is concluded that the dentifrice containing Pro-Argin Technology has an ability to occlude dentinal tubules in vitro. The results provide further evidence of the effectiveness of Pro-Argin Technology as a dent in tubule occlusion product and demonstrate its potential as an anti-sensitivity agent in dental care products designed to manage dentin hypersensitivity.