Efficacy of Chitosan in Reducing Tooth Sensitivity Induced by in-Office Bleaching: A Randomized, Double-blind, Controlled Clinical Trial
Wesley Fernando Ferrari
Universidade Paranaense (UNIPAR), Umuarama, Brazil.
Nubia Inocencya Pavesi Pini
Ingá University Center (UNINGÁ), State University of Maringá (UEM), Maringá, Brazil.
Maria Ritha Veiga Colognese *
State University of West Paraná (UNIOESTE), Cascavel, Brazil.
Giovani Ceron Hartmann
Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Paraná (PUCPR), Curitiba, Brazil.
Mauro Carlos Agner Busato
State University of West Paraná (UNIOESTE), Cascavel, Brazil.
Márcio José Mendonça
State University of West Paraná (UNIOESTE), Cascavel, Brazil.
Veridiana Camilotti
State University of West Paraná (UNIOESTE), Cascavel, Brazil.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Aims: To evaluate the effect of incorporating chitosan microparticles into a commercial desensitizing agent on tooth sensitivity during and after in-office bleaching procedures.
Study Design: Randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Restorative Dentistry of State University of West Paraná (UNIOESTE), between June and December 2017.
Methodology: Forty-two patients were selected and randomly assigned to two groups (n = 21 each). The DKF group received only a commercial desensitizing agent, while the DKF + CHI group received the same agent combined with chitosan microparticles. In both groups, 35% hydrogen peroxide was used for in-office bleaching on the upper arch. The desensitizing gel was applied for 10 minutes prior to bleaching. Tooth sensitivity was self-reported by patients using a visual analog scale at 5-minute intervals during bleaching (up to 45 minutes) and at 1, 24, and 48 hours post-procedure. Color change was evaluated at baseline and after 7 days. The Mann–Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis (P < 0.05).
Results: The DKF + CHI group reported significantly lower sensitivity levels than the DKF group at 35, 40, and 45 minutes during the procedure, and at 60 minutes post-treatment (p < 0.05). The probability of pain occurrence was markedly reduced in the group treated with chitosan, supporting its potential effectiveness as a desensitizing adjunct in clinical bleaching protocols. No statistically significant differences were observed between the groups regarding bleaching effectiveness.
Conclusion: The incorporation of chitosan microparticles into the desensitizing agent effectively reduces tooth sensitivity associated with in-office bleaching procedures, without compromising the bleaching outcome.
Keywords: Bleaching, chitosan, dentin sensitivity, enamel, tooth whitening