Desensitizing agents are defined as drugs that alleviate painful sensations that
sometimes occur in exposed dentin and cementum.
- Fluoride. Fluoride (in the form of sodium fluoride, stannous fluoride,acidulated-phosphate
fluoride, and so forth) is used in many preparations. Preparations includetoothpaste,
mouth rinse, topical gel, restorative materials, and many others. Fluoride isused
in the treatment of hypersensitive dentin in the cervical areas of the tooth.
- Oxalates and varnishes. These materials can be used as liners underrestorations.
Both materials plug dentin tubules to prevent dentin sensitivity.
- Bonding resins and dentin adhesives. With the newer systemsbecoming more adherent
to dentin, these materials have become very popular. Resinsand adhesives are now
designed to flow into dentin tubules to seal the dentin surfacewhen they are set.
