Comparative evaluation of diode laser with 2% sodium fluoride and 5% potassium nitrate in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity

INTRODUCTION. Dentin hypersensitivity is a common clinical condition that may negatively affect oral function and quality of life. Several desensitizing approaches are available, but no universally accepted treatment protocol has been established.

Aim

This study aimed to compare the clinical effectiveness of 5% potassium nitrate toothpaste and diode laser combined with 2% sodium fluoride gel in reducing dentin hypersensitivity.

Materials And Methods

This assessor-blinded randomized clinical trial included 170 hypersensitive teeth from 17 patients aged 20–33 years. The teeth were allocated equally into two groups: 85 teeth were treated with 5% potassium nitrate toothpaste applied professionally for 30 seconds, and 85 teeth were treated with 2% sodium fluoride gel followed by diode laser irradiation using a 650 nm diode laser at 25 mW in continuous mode for 60 seconds. Pain intensity was assessed using a 10-point Visual Analog Scale at baseline, immediately after treatment, and after 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months.

Results

Both treatment groups showed significant reductions in VAS scores over the three-month follow-up period. In the 5% potassium nitrate group, the mean VAS score decreased from 6.20 ± 1.80 at baseline to 1.54 ± 2.21 after 3 months, corresponding to a 75.2% reduction. In the diode laser plus 2% sodium fluoride group, the mean VAS score decreased from 5.47 ± 1.15 to 0.42 ± 0.89, corresponding to a 92.3% reduction. The diode laser plus sodium fluoride group showed lower VAS scores at all post-treatment follow-up intervals. However, baseline VAS scores differed significantly between the groups and should be considered when interpreting the comparative findings.

Conclusion

Both 5% potassium nitrate toothpaste and diode laser combined with 2% sodium fluoride gel were effective in reducing dentin hypersensitivity. Diode laser combined with 2% sodium fluoride showed a greater and more sustained reduction in VAS scores over three months, although the baseline imbalance between groups warrants cautious interpretation. Further randomized clinical trials with larger samples and baseline-adjusted analyses are recommended.