THE EFFECT OF VARIOUS DESENSITIZING AGENTS ON THE PERMEABILITY OF HUMAN DENTIN

The hydrodynamic theory of dentin sensitivity states that movement of tubular contents or tubular fluid, in either direction of dentinal tubule, causes dentin sensitivity. A corollary of that theory is that anything that can decrease dentinal fluid movement or dentin permeability should decrease dentin sensitivity. A wide variety of physicochemical methods have been used to reduce the permeability and sensitivity of exposed dentin. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the ability of 4 kinds of clinical desensitizing agents(2% NaF, 30% Potassium oxalate, MS Coat(R), Tubulitec system(R)) to reduce the rate of fluid flow through dentin in vitro. Sixty coronal dentin discs, 1mm in thickness, were prepared from extracted third molars, free from decay and wear. Dentin discs were treated with 3% EDTA(Tubulicid Plus(R)(Dental Therapeutics AB, Sweden)) to remove the smear layer and debris occluding the tubular orifices. After placing the discs in a split chamber device, the rate at which physiologic saline solution could filter across dentin under 150cm H₂O hydrostatic pressure was measured. The occlusal side of the discs were then treated with MS Coat(R), 2% NaF, Tubulitec system(R), and 30% Potassium oxalate, and the filter ratio of the saline solution was measured again. The following conclusions were drawn : 1. Hydraulic conductance which was measured after the application of desensitizing agents was decreased in all the groups(p0.05). 2% NaF, 30% Potassium oxalate, MS Coat(R) and Tubulitec system(R) decreased the permeability of dentin. It is considered that above four agents can be used in treating the hypersensitive teeth.ope