Influenza della terapia parodontale sulla sensibilità dentinale = Influence of periodontal therapy on dentinal sensitivity

AIM OF WORK. Few data are available about incidence and severity of root dentin sensitivity after periodontal therapy. The aim of this clinical trial was to evaluate dentinal sensitivity in a sample of patients requiring non surgical periodontal treatment. DISCUSSION. Baseline and follow-up records included teeth response to pain stimuli (directed compressed air) at buccal surfaces measured by a self-reported scale (a 10 cm visual analogue scale VAS). Periodontal therapy included oral hygiene instruction followed after 3 weeks by supra- and subgingival scaling by ultrasonic instrumentation. RESULTS. The results confirmed that meticulous plaque control reduces root-dentin sensitivity and that scaling and root planing increase teeth responding to painful stimuli. Few teeth in a few patients developed highly sensitive root surfaces following instrumentation. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS. Use of specific desensitizing products may be useful for pain reduction, that takes place anyway, even if generally in a longer period.