Dentin hypersensitivity and emerging concepts for treatments

Background Dentin hypersensitivity is a relatively common pain symptom caused by evaporative, chemical, thermal, tactile, or osmotic stimuli. Despite its high prevalence, many aspects of dentin hypersensitivity remain unknown. Current treatments for dentin hypersensitivity include desensitizers and adhesive materials. Several factors that occur in the oral cavity, such as occlusal force and intrapulpal pressure, cause microleakage, the primary defect of adhesive treatments. Highlight (1) This review article explains the etiology and pain mechanisms of dentin hypersensitivity. (2) Microleakage, a primary cause of restoration failures, is emphasized. (3) Current and ideal treatments for dentin hypersensitivity are described. Conclusion The ideal treatment for dentin hypersensitivity should restore the original impermeability of the dentinal tubules. A novel way to treat dentin hypersensitivity is the regeneration of tubular dentin to overcome microleakage.