Comparison of the efficacy of 940-nm diode laser, Gluma, and 5% sodium fluoride varnish in dentinal tubule occlusion

Background and aim Various treatments have been proposed to reduce dentinal hypersensitivity. This study compares the efficacy of 940-nm diode laser, Gluma, and 5% sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish in dentinal tubule occlusion. Materials and methods In this experimental study, the enamel of 40 intact human premolars was removed, with an area of 2 × 2 mm and a depth of 2 mm, from the cervical midline of the buccal surface. The samples were divided into four groups: NaF varnish, Gluma, 940-nm diode laser, and control. After the interventions, the samples were examined under a field emission scanning electron microscope (FE-SEM). The total number of dentinal tubules and the number of open, completely occluded, and semi-occluded tubules were counted. The results were analyzed using Kolmogorov–Smirnov test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tamhane’s test. Results The highest mean rate of dentinal tubule occlusion was 84.01 ± 12.08% in the 940-nm laser group, 74.4% ± 11.62 in the Gluma group, 61.78 ± 15.25% in the NaF varnish group, and 15.03% ± 3.39 in the control group. This rate in the control group was significantly different from that of the Gluma, NaF varnish, and 940-nm laser groups ( P < 0.05). The Gluma group showed no significant difference with the NaF varnish and 940-nm laser groups ( P > 0.05). The NaF varnish group exhibited a significant difference with the 940-nm laser group ( P < 0.05). Conclusion Based on the results, 940-nm diode laser, Gluma, and 5% NaF varnish are effective in sealing of dentinal tubules. Gluma had the same effect as the other two modalities, but the effect of the 940-nm diode laser was greater than that of NaF varnish.