Dentin hypersensitivity and treatment methods

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a relatively common problem experienced in clinical dental practice. This condition has been defined as a short, sharp pain arising from exposed dentin in response to stimuli typically thermal, evaporative, tactile, osmotic or chemical and which cannot be described to any other form of dental defect or pathology. DH may ocur as a result of exposed dentinal tubules through either loss of enamel or gingival recession. Management strategies, which take into account aetiological factors and patient’s oral hygeine behaviour, should be considered before the home or in office treatment protocols. Treatment plan should include reduce fluid flow in the tubules by means of occlude exposed tubules and block the nerve response in the pulp with many desensitizing chemical agents or phyisical agents which also include lasers. The purpose of this review is to summarize the definition, epidemiology, mechanism, aetiology, diagnosis and treatment protocols of dentin hypersensitivity.