Combined Use of Potassium Nitrate Gel and Diode Laser for Dentin Hypersensitivity

NCT06967818 · Status: COMPLETED · Phase: NA · Type: INTERVENTIONAL · Enrollment: 23

Last updated 2026-01-13

No results posted yet for this study

Summary

The aim of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of the combined use of a diode laser and a potassium nitrate-based desensitizing gel in reducing dentin hypersensitivity in adult patients. Patients who meet the eligibility criteria and for whom informed consent has been obtained will be enrolled and assessed at five timepoints. At baseline (T0), all patients will undergo a professional dental cleaning, collection of medical and dental history, a full periodontal and dental charting, and completion of the Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire (DHEQ) to assess the impact of hypersensitivity on quality of life. Sensitivity will be measured using the Schiff Air Index and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) in response to air stimulation. At T1, patients will receive the assigned treatment based on randomization. In the test group, the hypersensitive teeth will be treated with topical application of a potassium nitrate gel (Emoform Actisens, 5%) followed by irradiation with a 980 nm diode laser (1.5 W/cm² for 1 minute without contact, then 1 minute with contact and sweeping motion). In the control group, the same potassium nitrate gel will be applied, but the laser will remain inactive (sham laser). Immediately after treatment, the Schiff Air Index and VAS will be reassessed. Follow-up evaluations will be conducted at T2 (1 month after treatment), T3 (3 months), and T4 (6 months). At each follow-up visit, sensitivity will again be measured using the Schiff and VAS indices. At the final follow-up (T4), the DHEQ questionnaire will be administered a second time to assess changes in the patients' perceived impact of dentin hypersensitivity on daily life. Patients are randomized into two groups: Test group: potassium nitrate gel plus active diode laser (980 nm); Control group: potassium nitrate gel plus sham diode laser (inactive). The study aims to determine whether the addition of diode laser irradiation enhances the desensitizing effect of the potassium nitrate gel in both the short and long term (from T1 to T4), as measured by changes in Schiff Air Index, VAS scores, and DHEQ results.

Conditions

  • Dentin Hypersensitivity

Interventions

DRUG

Potassium Nitrate Gel

Topical application of a 5% potassium nitrate gel (Emofrom Actisens) used to treat dentin hypersensitivity.

DEVICE

Diode Laser (Active)

Application of a 980 nm diode laser at 1.5 W/cm² for 1 minute without contact and 1 minute with contact, using a sweeping motion perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth.

DEVICE

Diode Laser (Sham)

Inactive diode laser device used for 1 minute without contact and 1 minute with contact, mimicking the active laser procedure but without energy output.

Sponsors & Collaborators

  • University of Pavia

    lead OTHER

Principal Investigators

  • Andrea Scribante, Associate Professor · University of Pavia

Study Design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Model
PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age
18 Years
Sex
ALL
Healthy Volunteers
No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start
2025-07-15
Primary Completion
2025-12-10
Completion
2026-01-10

Countries

  • Italy

Study Locations

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Read the full study record

This page highlights key information. For complete eligibility criteria, study locations, investigator contacts, and the full protocol, visit the original record on ClinicalTrials.gov.

View NCT06967818 on ClinicalTrials.gov