Clinical Evaluations
TEETHMATE DESENSITIZER (6-month)
Consultants’ Comments
- “TEETHMATE DESENSITIZER is easy to apply and seems to provide consistent relief.”
- “While the initial reduction in sensitivity experienced by patients was not always maintained at the same level after six months, all were pleased with the overall result.”
- “The delivery system could be improved to eliminate the need for a dispensing powder and liquid.”
Description
TEETHMATE DESENSITIZER is composed of a calcium phosphatecontaining powder and a liquid that is primarily water. The powder and liquid are mixed to form a slurry that is then applied to the affected area where it reacts with tooth structure to form hydroxyapatite. TEETHMATE DESENSITIZER is indicated for reduction of tooth hypersensitivity and is designed to seal the dentin tubules and microcracks in the enamel. It can be used in the treatment of dentin exposed by toothbrush abrasion, gingival recession, periodontal disease or acid erosion; treatment of dentin after mechanical tooth cleaning, scaling or root planing; treatment of tooth surface before and/or after teeth whitening; and treatment of prepared dentin for fillings and/or prosthetic restorations. TEETHMATE DESENSITIZER is indicated for use by hygienists and dentists.
Clinical Evaluation Protocol
27 patients who reported dentin hypersensitivity were randomly selected. The level and frequency of sensitivity were recorded from the patient reports. The presence or absence of discomfort in response to the air blast was made at chair-side to confirm the sensitivity. Fifty-four teeth were evaluated for sensitivity and the following scale was used to document the level of sensitivity.
1 = severe, persistent sensitivity
2 = moderate to mild persistent sensitivity
3 = moderate intermittent sensitivity
4 = mild, sporadic sensitivity
5 = no sensitivity
The distribution of affected teeth are indicated in Figure 1. At the baseline visit, patients received an oral soft tissue exam to evaluate the overall health of the mouth and then were assessed to confirm tooth sensitivity and the level of sensitivity was documented.
TEETHMATE DESENSITIZER was applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Application method: Saliva and plaque were wiped away with a cotton gauze. The powder and liquid were mixed for 15 seconds to create a hydroxyapatite slurry that was rubbed into dentin for 30 seconds with the applicator brush. Sensitivity was measured by the presence or absence of discomfort in response to an air blast. If sensitivity persisted, a second application was applied for 30 seconds. Immediately (within 5 minutes) following the treatment, patients were re-assessed for sensitivity and the level of sensitivity was documented. Then patients were
recalled after six months and level of sensitivity was measured again.
Sensitivity measurements:
• Sensitivity prior to desensitizing
• Sensitivity immediately following desensitizing
• Sensitivity at six months after desensitizing
Results
Fifty-four teeth in 27 patients were available to compare the sensitivity before the treatment, immediately after the treatment and at six months. The distribution of teeth with sensitivity before desensitizing is shown in Figure 2. Immediately following desensitizing, nearly every patient reported an improvement in the level of sensitivity. 43% of the patients claimed no sensitivity. Figure 3 illustrates the immediate post-treatment ratings. At six months, the majority of patients continue to experience marked improvement from their pre-operative sensitivity (Figure 4). 85% of patients stated that they had no sensitivity
1 = severe, persistent sensitivity
2 = moderate to mild persistent sensitivity
3 = moderate intermittent sensitivity
4 = mild, sporadic sensitivity
5 = no sensitivity
Summary
TEETHMATE DESENSITIZER<lt;/em> provided excellent initial relief from sensitivity related to gingival recession. After six months, 85% of patients continued to report mild to no sensitivity in teeth treated with TEETHMATE DESENSITIZER. This product received a clinical performance rating of 96%.