Comparison of the Efficacy of Gluma, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief Toothpaste, and 980 nm Diode Laser on Dentinal Tubule Occlusion: An in Vitro Study

Background: Dentin hypersensitivity is a common issue among dental patients. There exist different treatments, including gels, solutions, toothpastes, and lasers. This study compared the effectiveness of Gluma, Colgate Sensitive Pro-Relief toothpaste, and 980 nm diode laser on dentinal tubule occlusion. Methods: In this experimental study, 40 premolar teeth without caries, fractures, restorations, or root canal treatments were chosen for analysis. The enamel of the samples was removed using a bur, and then the samples were prepared and divided into four groups. Three treatments were applied to three groups of teeth, and the fourth group was considered the control group. The number of occluded, semi-occluded, and open dentinal tubules in the samples was calculated using field emission scanning electron microscopy, and the results were reported as percentages. Statistical analyses were then performed using Kolmogorov-Smirnov, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tamhane tests. Results: The results showed that the number of occluded dentinal tubules was 90.3%±8.23, 74.4%±11.62, 67.60%±10.62, and 15.03%±3.39 in the laser, Gluma, toothpaste, and control groups, respectively. The differences between the three treatment groups and the control group were significant (P<0.05). All three different treatments significantly occluded dentinal tubules. Conclusions: Based on the findings, the 940 nm laser could effectively reduce dentin sensitivity.