Dentin Hypersensitivity Following Non-surgical Periodontal Therapy With Hand or Ultrasonic Instruments

Periodontal instrumentation aims to remove plaque and calculus from the root surface. Both manual and ultrasonic instruments have been used for such decontamination; however, establishing a healthy periodontium can result in adverse effects, such as dentin hypersensitivity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of hand or ultrasonic instrumentation on dentin hypersensitivity in patients undergoing non-surgical periodontal treatment. For this controlled clinical trial of a "split mouth" design, 14 patients were selected with homologous teeth in the incisor to premolar region and probing depth ≥ 5 mm on the buccal aspect of the teeth. One side (control) was instrumented with hand instruments and the other side (test) with ultrasonic instruments. Dentin hypersensitivity was assessed in the baseline and during the follow 4 weeks after treatment, with a periodontal probe scratching the root surface and with an air jet. The patient's response was detected by a visual analog scale (VAS) of 10 cm.