Self-assembling peptide matrix for treatment of dentin hypersensitivity: A randomized controlled clinical trial

Background Patient-reported dentin hypersensitivity [DHS] pain is a common finding linked with periodontal disease. This pilot clinical study investigates a novel therapeutic regimen using self-assembling peptide matrix [SAPM] gel (test) compared with use of an 8% arginine and calcium carbonate [ACC] toothpaste (control) for treatment of DHS. Methods A total of 50 patients with history of supportive periodontal therapy were enrolled in this prospective, randomized monocentric clinical study, of which 45 (test: n = 22; control: n = 23) fulfilled all the study visits. Test group patients performed ex-office application of SAPM gel over 1 week, while control group patients performed ex-office application of ACC toothpaste over 90 days. DHS was assessed in office by Visual Analog Scale [VAS], and patient's perception of pain relief was evaluated by questionnaire. In support of the clinical data, scanning electron microscopy images were recorded to investigate tubule occlusion of both control and test product. Results Both SAPM and ACC significantly reduced DHS in patients throughout the study, with the patient questionnaire indicating higher patient satisfaction at the earlier time points for the test group. Conclusions Both SAPM gel and ACC toothpaste were successful in providing relief from DHS and showed similar outcomes on VAS and verbal response scale (VRS) throughout the study period of 90 days. The new therapeutic regimen using SAPM resulted in higher patient satisfaction at day 7, as indicated by the patient questionnaire and the higher number of pain-free patients at day 7 and day 90. This is a pilot study describing a novel therapy for DHS.