Efficacy of a calcium-phosphate/fluoride varnish and ionomeric sealant on cervical dentin hypersensitivity: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical study

Background Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a common problem in the population that can have a significant impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from the condition. Objectives Compare the efficacy of two treatments for DH: Ca/PO4-/F- varnish (Clinpro White Varnish) and ionomeric sealant (IS) (Clinpro XT Varnish) with a placebo. Methods Participants (121) with at least one tooth with visual analogue scale (VAS) score of 4 and above were randomly and blindly allocated to the groups. Treatments were performed by a trained researcher. DH was evaluated by another blind researcher after the treatment and after 1 week, 4 weeks, 3 months and 6 months. After 4 weeks, placebo received the DH treatment with IS; thus, the participants were not assessed after 3 and 6 months. Primary outcome was DH reduction after 4 weeks. Differences in VAS scores in the other time intervals and entire values of VAS were considered secondary outcomes. Comparisons were made among the groups (alpha = 0.05). Results IS showed the highest VAS value difference between baseline and 4 weeks (mean +/- SD: 3.7 +/- 2.2), differing significantly from placebo (2.3 +/- 1.7) and Ca/PO4/F- varnish (2.6 +/- 2.0). Ca/PO4(-)/F- varnish did not differ from placebo. In all time intervals, VAS values of all groups were significantly lower than the baseline value, without differences among groups. For the long-term differences in VAS values (3 and 6 months), the IS exhibited significantly higher values than Ca/PO4(-)/F- varnish. Conclusions The IS was the most efficacious product for reducing DH, whereas Ca/PO4(-)/F- varnish did not differ from placebo. Registered in ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04591444).