Comparison of using calcium hydroxide or a dentine primer for reducing dentinal pain following crown preparation: a randomized clinical trial with an observation time up to 30 months1

Abstract

Summary The purpose of this study was to evaluate effect of a calcium hydroxide suspension [Ca(OH)₂] or glutaraldehyde based dentine primer (GDP) to reduce tooth sensitivity after full crown preparation. Thirty‐six patients were treated with Ca(OH)₂ on one tooth and with GDP on another. Patients completed a questionnaire regarding sensitivity during crown preparation, when the not‐anaesthetized abutments were irritated [cotton pellet (20 °C)]. The teeth were tested before (T₀) and after using the desensitizer (T₁), again after 7 days (T₂), 6 months (T₃) and 30 months (T₄). The results were registered on a visual analogue scale [0 (no pain)–100 (severe pain)]. The changes of tooth sensitivity between different testing times were analysed. The median and the (interquartile range) for the different time intervals for Ca(OH)₂ were ΔT₀–T₁: 5 (6–17), ΔT₀–T₂: 17 (14–32), and for GDP, ΔT₀–T₁: 9 ( 7-18 ) ΔT₀–T₂: 18 (16–33), the decreases in sensitivity were lower for ΔT₀–T₁ than for ΔT₀–T₂ for both desensitizers (P < 0·001). There was no statistical difference (P > 0·05) between the agents (ΔT₀–T₁, ΔT₀–T₂, ΔT₃–T₄). Both substances might be useful in reducing tooth sensitivity after crown preparation, but no differences in the efficacy were found when comparing the materials.