Tooth hypersensitivity treatment trends among dental professionals.

OBJECTIVE: Tooth hypersensitivity is a common complaint of patients who present to the dental office. The aim of this study was to survey dental professionals in an effort to understand the current treatment trends for tooth hypersensitivity.

METHOD AND MATERIALS: A questionnaire that addressed possible treatments for tooth hypersensitivity was developed and validated. The survey included a case presentation in which the responders were requested to list a first and second line of treatment. The questionnaire was distributed to dental professionals and analyzed statistically.

RESULTS: A total of 106 questionnaires were collected. The most common first line treatments for tooth hypersensitivity included sensitivity toothpastes (38.7%) and desensitizers (40.6%). Referral for patients with tooth hypersensitivity was indicated by 12.0% of the responders. The most preferred products included sensitivity toothpaste (34.9%) and fluoride varnish (19.8%). In regards to the case presented in the survey, the most common first treatment recommendations for patients were to use a sensitivity toothpaste (37.7%), stop drinking cold water (13.2%), and apply a desensitizing agent (23.6%). Of the 106 responders, 7.5% would opt to graft the recession area and 29.2% would restore the area as the second line of treatment.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that more invasive treatment options such as grafting and restoring may be used too early in the treatment plan for tooth hypersensitivity. Providing continuing education programs that address simple and less aggressive or invasive modes of treatment will benefit patients and may also reduce the financial burden of the treatment.