Comparative evaluation of dentinal tubule occlusion ability of commercially available dentifrice and diode laser- A Scanning Electron Microscopic study

Rajeshwari HR, Suchetha A, Div

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate and compare the tubule occluding ability of calcium sodium phosphosilicate (Novamine) containing dentifrice, 980nm GaAlAs Diode laser, and their combination by Scanning Electron Microscopy. Total number of 180 Dentine disc specimens were prepared and divided into 4 groups of 45 specimens each. Each group was divided into subgroups as once a week, once a week for two weeks and once a week for three weeks respectively. G1a,1b,1c,2a,2b,2c,3a,3b,3c,4a,4b and 4c The group G1 was brushed without dentifrices. The treatment groups G2, G3 and G4 were subjected to Novamin, 980 nm GaAlAs Diode laser, novamin and laser combination respectively. All the specimens were stored in artificial saliva medium and then observed under SEM to evaluate the tubule occlusion. Data was statistically analyzed using ANOVA test. All the treated groups exhibited higher percentage of tubule occlusion compared to control group. Among the treated groups the specimens brushed with combination group (Laser and Novamin) showed the highest percentage of tubule occlusion followed by GaAlAs laser, and Novamin (P<𝑜.𝑜5). With regard to correlation between frequency of application and tubule occlusion, there was a gradual increase in tubule occlusion with increase in frequency of application. However, the difference in mean occlusion among the different applications was not statistically significant (P>0.05). It was found from the results that these agents can be considered as effective treatment modalities for dentine hypersensitivity therapy.