Clinical evaluation of Isodon & NaF on tooth hypersensitivity after initial periodontal therapy

Dentin hypersensitivity is a frequently problem after periodontal therapy. Many substances have been advocated for the treatment of this problem and numerous clinical studies investigated their efficacy. The aim of this clinical trial was to study the effectiveness of potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride gels for the reduction of tooth sensitivity following initial phase of periodontal therapy. Methods & Materials: In sixteen subjects following initial phase of periodontal therapy 274 sensitive teeth were detected. Randomly in one quadrant Isodan and in other quadrant sodium fluoride was applied and in the other applied no material. After one and two weeks plaque index and pain score were assessed in each group. The data obtained were analyzed by means of chi – square and Mann – whitney test. There were significant difference between the two groups (Isodan and NaF) and control group at the first week and immediately after scaling in reducing dentin hypersensitivity whereas no significant difference was found between Isodan & NaF in the whole. At the second week and immediately after scaling, there was a significant difference between Isodan and the control group (P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between NaF and the control group. Reduction of plaque index was significant in all groups between the first and the second week but there was no significant difference between groups. This study showed that both gels appear to have therapeutic effects to reduce hypersensitivity, however Isodan has more prolonged effect. Also proper plaque control reduced tooth hypersensitivity.