Terapia a laser de baixa intensidade e gel à base de fluoreto, sílica e cálcio para o controle da hipersensibilidade dentinária: estudo clínico randomizado controlado.

Abstract

The present study aimed to evaluate the isolated and combined effects of a fluoride/silica/calcium (FSC) gel and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the management of dentin hypersensitivity (DH). Forty-five patients with DH presenting at least one tooth with exposed cervical dentin on the buccal surface were included. DH was confirmed by a positive response of ≥40 mm on the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) following air and water stimulation. Participants were randomly allocated to three groups: FSC (fluoride/silica/calcium gel), LLLT (low-level laser therapy), and FSC/LLLT (combined therapy). The FSC and FSC/LLLT groups received three in-office applications of the FSC gel at 72-hour intervals, combined with home use of the gel for two months, followed by replacement with a fluoride/silica gel (without the calcium booster) for three months. The LLLT and FSC/LLLT groups received laser applications during the first three treatment sessions and at follow-up visits after 7 days, 15 days, 1 month, and 3 months. Pain was assessed following evaporative and tactile stimuli using the VAS and the Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale at baseline, immediately after each treatment session, and at the 7-day, 15-day, 1-month, and 3-month follow-up visits. Oral health-related quality of life was assessed using the Dentine Hypersensitivity Experience Questionnaire (DHEQ-15) at baseline and throughout the follow-up period. All groups exhibited an immediate reduction in pain elicited by evaporative stimulation after the first intervention, with no significant differences among treatments. A similar pattern was observed after the second and third treatment sessions. Compared with baseline, all groups showed a gradual reduction in pain over time. For tactile sensitivity and Schiff scale assessments, only the LLLT group demonstrated significant reductions immediately after the first three treatment sessions, whereas all groups exhibited significant improvements over time. Oral health-related quality of life also improved in all groups. It can be concluded that both the FSC gel and LLLT were effective in reducing pain and improving the quality of life of patients with DH. However, the combination of these therapies did not provide additional benefits compared with either treatment alone, suggesting similar clinical efficacy among the treatment approaches.