In vitro examination of the effects of differentsensitivity agents used in the treatment of dentinsensitivity on dentin tubules (Laser scanning confocalmicroscope)

In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effects of dentin hypersensitivity toothpastes containing sodium fluoride, 8% arginine and calcium carbonate, and nano-hydroxyapatite on the penetration of dentin tubules in dentin samples obtained from extracted teeth using confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM). Fifteen dentin samples prepared from the sections obtained from the impacted third molar teeth were included in the study and were divided into 3 different groups, each consisting of 5 samples. The smear layer was removed by applying 1% citric acid to the surface of all dentin samples and the dentin tubule entrances were exposed. Then, toothpaste containing sodium fluoride was applied to the dentin samples in the 1st group, toothpaste containing 8% arginine-calcium carbonate combination to the samples in the 2nd group, and toothpaste containing nano-hydroxyapatite to the samples in the 3rd group, mixed with Rhodamine B in order to obtain images in CLSM. All dentin samples were examined by CLSM for penetration depth values of the applied agents into the dentinal tubules. According to CLSM images of the samples were examined, it was observed that all agents penetrated into the dentinal tubules. The penetration depth values of the agents for groups 1, 2 and 3 were found to be 148.68 ± 7.58 μm, 322.52 ± 14.47 μm and 173.67 ± 5.54 μm, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found between the groups (p=0.000). A statistically significant difference was found between Groups 1 and 2, Groups 1 and 3, Groups 2 and 3 when comparing the penetration depths between groups in pairs (p<0.017). According to the results obtained from this study, it was determined that all desensitizing agents applied in the study could penetrate the dentinal tubules at different rates. It was observed that toothpaste containing 8% arginine-calcium carbonate combination showed more significant penetration and could be effective in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity.