Effect of different material protocols on the control of dentin hypersensitivity: a split-mouth randomized controlled clinical trial

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of three desensitizing protocols for dentin hypersensitivity (DH) pain control and their impact on oral health–related quality of life (OHRQoL) up to 180 days. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this randomized controlled split-mouth clinical trial, 33 participants (99 teeth) were randomized and treated; 31 participants (93 teeth) were analyzed (mITT). Participants received three protocols: GLU: 3% potassium nitrate + glutaraldehyde/HEMA desensitizer (control); GAS: 3% potassium nitrate + glutaraldehyde/HEMA desensitizer + universal adhesive; and GAR: 3% potassium nitrate + glutaraldehyde/HEMA desensitizer + universal adhesive + bulk-fill flowable resin. Pain intensity was recorded using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS; 0–10) after standardized air-blast and tactile stimuli at baseline, immediately after intervention, and at 7, 30, 90, and 180 days. OHRQoL was assessed using OHIP-14 at baseline, 90, and 180 days. RESULTS: NRS scores decreased over time for both stimuli (air-blast: p < 0.001; tactile: p < 0.001). No differences were observed among protocols (air-blast: p = 0.910; tactile: p = 0.681) and no time × protocol interaction was detected (air-blast: p = 0.341; tactile: p = 0.738). OHIP-14 scores improved at 90 and 180 days versus baseline (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The three protocols produced comparable patient-centered outcomes, indicating that adding adhesive and resin steps to potassium nitrate + glutaraldehyde/HEMA does not enhance DH pain control or OHRQoL up to 180 days. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Increasing complexity with adhesive and resin steps was not associated with superior patient-centered outcomes within 180 days. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: RBR-109h3wcv.