Comparison of Desensitizing Agents for Tooth Bleaching: Evaluating the Influence of Ozonated Sunflower Oil and Potassium Nitrate/Sodium Fluoride on Sensitivity and Shade Change

Aims: Due to controversial results in relation to the influence of desensitizing agents on sensitivity during bleaching, the present study evaluated the degree of tooth bleaching sensitivity, color change, and patient acceptability of desensitizing agents containing potassium nitrate/sodium fluoride (PNF) or ozonized sunflower oil associated with in-office bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide (HP).

Place and Duration of Study: The study described above was conducted at the Dentistry Clinics of a local university in Brazil. The duration of the study spanned from January to November 2021.

Sample: The researchers recruited a total of 30 volunteer patients who met the eligibility criteria and agreed to participate in the study.

Methodology: A clinical trial was conducted with a split-mouth design. The sample consisted of 30 volunteers randomized into 2 experimental groups according to the desensitization protocol. Potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride was applied to the hemiarch corresponding to the control group for 10 minutes, while in the hemiarch of the test group, ozonized sunflower oil was applied for 2 minutes with a rubber cup in low rotation, followed by a potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride application for 10 minutes. In sequence, both arcades were bleached with 35% hydrogen peroxide for 50 minutes.

Results: Previous application of ozonated sunflower oil resulted in a significant reduction in sensitivity in the first 24 hours after removal of the bleaching gel, as well as the test group showed lower tooth sensitivity in times measured up to 1 hours after removal of the bleaching gel. Both experimental groups presented satisfactorily lighter shades, but no statistically significant differences were observed regardless of the desensitization protocol employed.