Comparative Evaluation of Diode LASER and NovaMin Technology for Dentinal Tubule Occlusion: An In-Vitro Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) Study

Abstract

Background: Dentinal hypersensitivity is a brief and painful oral condition characterized by an abrupt shooting sensation. Stimulation occurs when hot, cold, sweet, or sour food comes into contact with exposed dentinal tubules. The present study used scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) to investigate the efficacy of 810 nm diode LASER and NovaMin Technology in obstructing dentinal tubules.

Material and methods: We extracted the outer layers of 20 human teeth to expose the tubules and then treated the surfaces with 17% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) to create an etched effect. Two cohorts were created from the portions. Group A was subjected to 810nm diode LASER with a power output of 1W in continuous mode for 30 seconds. Group B was subjected to the application of NovaMin paste, which contains 927 ppm fluoride content. Following the therapy, occluded dentinal tubules were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) for quantitative and qualitative examination. The data analysis was conducted using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Tukey's test, with a significance threshold of 0.05.

Result: The average percentages of complete blockage of dentinal tubules in Groups A & B were evaluated using the number of entirely unobstructed dentinal tubules at magnifications of 2X (F = 3.05, p = 0.064), 5X (F = 5.33, p = 0.011), and 10X (F = 8.63, p = 0.001). The count of partially open dentinal tubules seen at magnifications of 2000X, 5000X, and 10000X was F = 10.15 (P < 0.001), F = 5.97 (p = 0.007), and F = 2.12 (p = 0.140) accordingly.

Conclusion: NovaMin technology has demonstrated more effectiveness in blocking dentinal tubules than 810nm diode LASER.