Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity Using Nano-Hydroxyapatite Pastes: A Randomized Three-Month Clinical Trial

Published In: Operative Dentistry
Publication Year: 2016

Study Design

This study was a randomized, prospective, double-blind, single-center clinical trial with a four-arm parallel design.

Funding Sources

• National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq) – Grant #471555/2010-0

• FGM/Dentscare – Provided materials used in the study.

• Conflict of Interest: The authors declared no financial or personal conflicts related to this study.

PICO Framework – what was studied and how?

Population:
Adults aged 18–60 with at least one tooth showing dentin hypersensitivity (DH) ≥ 4 on a 10-point Visual Analog Scale (VAS).

Intervention:
Nano-hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) paste (Desensibilize Nano-P), with or without a home-care nano-HA treatment.

Comparison:

1. Pro-Argin-based professional and home-care treatment

2. Fluoride varnish (NaF, 22,600 ppm)

Outcomes:
Reduction in dentin hypersensitivity (measured by VAS) after 1 and 3 months.

In Paragraph Form:
This trial assessed the effectiveness of nano-hydroxyapatite pastes (with and without a home-care regimen) for reducing dentin hypersensitivity in adults. Results were compared to Pro-Argin technology and a standard sodium fluoride varnish over a three-month period, with effectiveness measured through changes in VAS pain scores following air-stimulus testing.

Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least one hypersensitive tooth (VAS score ≥ 4)

• Ages 18–60

• Good general and oral health

Exclusion Criteria:

• Active carious lesions or defective restorations

• Teeth requiring restorative or surgical treatment

• Professional desensitizing treatment within last 6 months

• Use of desensitizing toothpaste in past 3 months

• Use of anti-inflammatory/analgesics

• Pregnancy or smoking

Demographics and Group Design

• Total subjects enrolled: 28

• Total teeth treated: 137

• Groups:

  • Nano-HA (Desensibilize Nano-P only): 30 teeth at 3-month analysis

  • Nano-HA + home-care paste: 22 teeth

  • Pro-Argin (Pro-Relief) professional + home care: 26 teeth

  • Fluoride varnish (Duraphat NaF): 45 teeth

Primary Outcome Variables and Results

Measure: Change in VAS (Visual Analog Scale) scores from baseline

After 1 Month:

• Nano-HA: 4.10 ± 3.50

• Nano-HA + home care: 4.48 ± 2.57

• Pro-Argin: 3.82 ± 2.75

• Fluoride varnish: 3.35 ± 2.63
  → All groups showed clinically significant improvement (ΔVAS > 3). No statistical differences (p = 0.936)

After 3 Months:

• Nano-HA: 4.52 ± 2.86

• Nano-HA + home care: 4.73 ± 2.22

• Pro-Argin: 5.21 ± 2.27

• Fluoride varnish: 2.61 ± 2.16
  → No statistically significant differences among groups (p = 0.094)

Pro-Argin was the only group with significant improvement from 1 to 3 months (p = 0.049).

Simple Chart: Change in VAS Scores Over Time

Conclusions

• All treatments significantly reduced dentin hypersensitivity after one and three months.

• Nano-HA, both with and without home care, was as effective as Pro-Argin and fluoride varnish.

• Pro-Argin was the only treatment with increased effect over time, indicating potential for sustained relief.

• Nano-HA professional treatment alone was effective, reducing the need for home care in some cases.

Discussion: Strengths and Limitations

Strengths:

• Randomized, double-blind design

• Clinically relevant measurement method (VAS with air stimulus)

• Comparative study with multiple standard treatments

Limitations:

• Small sample size

• Lack of a negative control (due to ethical considerations)

• Evaluation limited to 3 months; longer-term efficacy unknown

• Subjective nature of pain reporting (though standardized methods were used)

Citation

Wang L, Magalhães AC, Francisconi-dos-Rios LF, et al. Treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity Using Nano-Hydroxyapatite Pastes: A Randomized Three-Month Clinical Trial. Oper Dent. 2016;41(4):E93–E101.
PubMed Link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/