Comparative evaluation of dentinal tubule occlusion following brushing simulation with biomimetic desensitizing toothpastes and diode laser: An in vitro scanning electron microscopic study

Abstract Background: Contemporary management of dentinal hypersensitivity increasingly focuses on achieving durable dentinal tubule occlusion through biomimetic materials and laser-assisted therapy. Aim: To comparatively evaluate the efficacy of nanohydroxyapatite toothpaste, bioactive glass-based toothpaste, and diode laser therapy in occluding dentinal tubules using scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis. Materials and Methods: Forty extracted human premolar teeth were used to prepare standardized dentin discs measuring 2 mm in thickness. The specimens were etched using 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (SafeEndo Smart Prep liquid) for 2 minutes to expose dentinal tubules and randomly allocated into four groups ( n = 10): Group I – Artificial saliva (control) (X-Wet by Biozinik healthcare), Group II – Nanohydroxyapatite toothpaste (Clockwork), Group III – Bioactive glass toothpaste (Elsenz), and Group IV – Diode laser (IMDSL). Brushing simulation was carried out twice daily for 7 days in Groups II and III. SEM analysis was performed at different magnifications to evaluate dentinal tubule occlusion. Statistical analysis was performed using One-Way ANOVA and Tukey’s post hoc test. Results: Diode laser treatment demonstrated the highest degree of dentinal tubule occlusion (92%), followed by bioactive glass toothpaste (80%) and nanohydroxyapatite toothpaste (72%). Both toothpaste groups exhibited significantly greater tubule occlusion than the control group (8%). Conclusion: Diode laser demonstrated superior dentinal tubule occlusion compared to nanohydroxyapatite and bioactive glass-based toothpastes. Bioactive glass toothpaste showed greater efficacy than nanohydroxyapatite toothpaste.