Zinc-doped polymeric nanoparticles in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of zinc-doped polymeric nanoparticles application on pain reduction in dentin hypersensitivity (DH). Methods This study was a parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled, single-center randomized clinical trial. Sixty patients with DH were enrolled in the study. Zinc-doped polymeric nanoparticles (NPs) (test group n = 30) and placebo solution (control group n = 30) were applied. Visual analogue scale (VAS) by both air blast and percussion tests, and the Schiff air index were used to follow up the symptoms of DH. Patients were recalled 7 times throughout 21 days for sensitivity screening. Results were analyzed by a mixed ANOVA and Bonferroni corrected pair-wise comparisons (p ≤ 0.05). Results VAS after air-blast and Schiff sensitivity scores attained significant differences when the NPs were applied if compared to the control group, at any time point. VAS after percussion showed significant differences immediately after treatment and at day 14 after NPs application. Conclusions After the 21 days follow-up, VAS after air-blast and Schiff air index scores measured in patients affected with dentin hypersensitivity had a progressive significant reduction in sensitivity after nanoparticles application, and completely disappeared at 21 d time point. Dental percussion was scarcely predictable, as VAS hypersensitivity only marked significant differences between groups initially and at the 14th of the study. Significance: Zn-doped NPs application on cervical dentin has contributed to the total disappearance of sensitivity after 21 d follow-up, measured as VAS after air-blast and Schiff air index scores. Therefore, the present NPs may be proposed as an effective dentin desensitizer.