Clinical Evaluation of Pro-Argin and Low Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Dentinal Hypersensitivity: A Splitmouth Randomised Clinical Trial

Abstract

Introduction: Dentinal Hypersensitivity (DH) is the most prevalent condition that causes patients discomfort for patients, leading them to frequently visit dental offices. A wide range of methods and therapeutic procedures have evolved for pain alleviation have evolved. In recent decades, desensitising therapy has been coupled with newer therapies such as Pro-Argin and LowLevel Laser Therapy (LLLT). Pro-Argin therapy occludes the openings of dentinal tubules, while Diode Lasers (DL) cause a melting effect, crystallisation of dentine inorganic components, and coagulation of fluids trapped inside the dentinal tubules, thereby reducing the hypersensitivity. Aim: To compare the efficacy of Pro-Argin and LLLT -475 nm (Bluelase) in providing immediate relief in the treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. Materials and Methods: This was a double-blind randomised split-mouth clinical trial involving from December 2021 to March 2022, including 12 patients (120 teeth) with bilateral hypersensitivity. They were divided into Group A (Pro-Argin) and Group B (LLLT-475 nm) both with 12 patients and 60 teeth each. Hypersensitivity was recorded using the Schiff cold air sensitivity scale and the Visual Analog Pain Scale (VAS) at baseline and at 15 minutes after desensitising therapy. Results: The study included 12 subjects with bilateral dentinal hypersensitivity, categorised into Group A (Pro-Argin) (Colgate Sensitive Pro-relief) and Group B (LLLT at 475 nm), with 60 teeth each. The Results were assessed using the independent t-test for inter-group comparison and the t-test for intra-group comparison. On inter-group comparison of the Schiff cold air sensitivity score, there was a statistically significant reduction in dentinal hypersensitivity in both the groups (p<0.001) with no statistical significance in VAS scores. However, on intra-group comparison; there was a statistically significant reduction in VAS scores in Group B (p≤0.001). Conclusion: LLLT has provided a significant reduction in dentinal hypersensitivity when compared with Pro-Argin.

Keywords

• desensitisation
• diode lasers
• visual analogue pain scale