Summary

This in vitro study investigated the effectiveness of various methods for dentinal tubule occlusion (against sensitivity) after professional tooth bleaching.

Background

Tooth whitening with highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide can often lead to severe tooth sensitivity because the dentinal tubules are opened, allowing stimuli to reach the nerve more easily.

Objective

Comparison of five desensitizing treatments to determine which method most effectively occludes tubules and thus reduces sensitivity.

Method

• 30 human teeth were bleached
• followed by treatment with various methods:
  • Stannous fluoride (SnF₂)
  • CPP-ACP (Calcium/Phosphate + Fluoride)
  • Bioactive glass (e.g., BioMin/NovaMin)
  • Air abrasion with bioglass
  • Laser therapy
• Analysis using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM-EDX)

Results

• All methods partially occluded tubules
• Bioactive glass and certain professional procedures showed the best results
• Significant reduction of open dentinal tubules → less sensitivity

Interpretation

Effectiveness depends heavily on how well a material:

• penetrates the tubules
• forms a stable mineral layer
• remains effective long-term

Bioactive materials perform particularly well because they release minerals and actively "seal" the tubules.

Limitation

• pure laboratory study
• real oral conditions (saliva, biofilm, etc.) are absent

Conclusion

Desensitizing treatments after bleaching are effective –
👉 especially bioactive glass technologies and professional procedures show the greatest potential for sustained sensitivity reduction.