Evaluation of changes in dentin hypersensitivity perception following hypersensitivity treatment using Gluma, Er,Cr: YSGG laser and their combination after non-surgical periodontal therapy in periodontitis patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate pain and sensitivity perception following the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity, which developed after non-surgical periodontal therapy in Stage 3–4 periodontitis patients, using the desensitizing agent Gluma Desensitizer®, Er, Cr: YSGG laser, and their combination. Non-surgical periodontal therapy was performed in 62 periodontitis patients. Twenty-four hours after treatment, patients were recalled and, based on air stimulus VAS and Schiff scores, two teeth with VAS >4 and Schiff scores 2–3 were randomly selected. Fifty-two patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. The study was designed as randomized, controlled, and parallel. Patients were randomly assigned to three groups: Group 1, Gluma Desensitizer®; Group 2, Er, Cr: YSGG laser; Group 3, Gluma Desensitizer® followed by Er, Cr: YSGG laser. Hypersensitivity was evaluated at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, and 6 months. Four patients dropped out during follow-up, and the study was completed with 48 patients. Statistical analysis showed that all three treatment modalities were effective in reducing dentin hypersensitivity up to 6 months, with no significant differences between groups. In the Gluma group, VAS and Schiff scores decreased until 1 month, then increased at 6 months. In the laser group, VAS reached its lowest level at week 1 and remained stable until a 6-month increase; Schiff scores decreased until 1 month, then showed increases at 2 and 6 months. In the combination group, both scores generally decreased but showed a mild increase at 6 months. All three treatment approaches can be safely used in dentin hypersensitivity management. Keywords: non-surgical periodontal therapy, dentin hypersensitivity, Gluma Desensitizer®, Er, Cr: YSGG laser