Awareness and perception of nanomaterials in the management of dentin hypersensitivity and their periodontal applications among dental professionals

ABSTRACT Title: Awareness and Perceptions of Dental Professionals Regarding Nanomaterials in the Management of Dentin Hypersensitivity Aim: To assess the awareness, clinical experiences, and perceptions of postgraduate dental students and general practitioners regarding the etiology, pathophysiology, and management of DH, with a focus on the role of nanomaterials. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 80 dental professionals using a 28-item questionnaire. The survey collected information on clinical encounters with Dentin hypersensitivity(dh), perceived causes, understanding of pathophysiology, and familiarity with conventional and nanomaterial-based management strategies. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze responses. Results: Of the 80 respondents, 78.8% (n=63) reported encountering patients with DH associated with gingival recession. The frequency of cases was reported as “sometimes” by 61.2%, “often” by 23.8%, “rarely” by 11.2%, and “very frequently” by 3.8%. Tooth wear due to abrasion, erosion, or attrition was identified as the most common cause (53.8%), followed by gingival recession (18.8%), post-scaling/root planing (18.8%), and carious or defective restorations (7.5%). Regarding pathophysiology, the hydrodynamic theory was the most widely accepted explanation (58.8%), followed by the odontoblast receptor theory (28.8%) and direct innervation theory (6.3%). Awareness of nanomaterials such as nano-hydroxyapatite and calcium phosphate nanoparticles was moderate, with most respondents recognizing their role in occluding dentinal tubules and promoting remineralization. Conclusion: Dental professionals encounter Dentin hypersensitivity frequently, particularly in association with gingival recession and tooth wear. While the hydrodynamic theory is well-recognized, misconceptions regarding other mechanisms persist. Awareness of nanomaterials as a management option is growing but remains incomplete, highlighting the need for targeted educational interventions and evidence-based training to enhance clinical adoption.