Abstract:
Objectives: To evaluate the effect of two different desensitizing materials microgel p(NIPAM) and 5%
sodium fluoride (NaF) on the degree of occlusion and depth of penetration of the dentinal tubules
on superficial and deep dentin after immediate application and thermocycling using environmental
scanning electron microscope.
Materials and Methods: 20 non- carious, non-restored molars were included. Each tooth was cut
in order to obtain four quadrants. Specimens were divided into two groups according to aging. Then
they were further sub-divided into two subgroups according to dentin depths. Further subdivision into
four divisions according to the desensitizing material. The specimens were evaluated for the depth of
penetration and degree of occlusion of each material using environmental scanning electron microscope.
One-way ANOVA followed by Tukey post hoc test was used to compare between more than two groups
in non-related samples. Independent sample t-test was used to compare between two groups in non-
related samples.
Results: p(Nipam) showed the highest mean value without statistically significant difference with the
varnish group regarding the degree of occlusion, either on immediate evaluation or after thermocycling.
Conclusion: Better occlusion of dentinal tubules was shown on immediate testing rather than after
thermocycling regardless the dentin type, however, more depth of penetration was shown after
thermocycling regardless the dentin type. All the desensitizing materials showed better occlusion and
depth of penetration in superficial dentin than in deep dentin.
Clinical relevance: p(NIPAM) microgel is a promising material in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity,
however further in-vivo studies are needed.
