Diode laser irradiation combined with propolis application as a treatment for dentine hypersensitivity

Introduction
Dentine hypersensitivity (DH) is an extensive clinical condition, which is still of need to find a long-term treatment resulting in pain reduction.

Objectives
The aim of this study was to evaluate and compare efficacy of sodium fluoride varnish application, diode laser (810 nm) irradiation, ethanolic extract of propolis application, and combined diode laser (810 nm) irradiation with ethanolic extract of propolis application for DH reduction in periodontal maintenance patients.

Material and methods
In total, 104 periodontal maintenance patients (416 teeth) completed this study. Dentine hypersensitivity was assessed using visual analogue scale (VAS). The patients were randomly divided into four groups according to the treatment: 1 group – diode laser (810 nm) irradiation, 2 – application of ethanolic extract of propolis, 3 – application of ethanolic extract of propolis, followed by diode laser (810 nm) irradiation, and 4th group – sodium fluoride varnish application. The treated teeth were evaluated after treatment session and at one week, one month, three months, and six months post-operatively. The evaluations were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics, version 25.0 (IBM Corp., Armonk, NY, USA). Mean and standard deviation were calculated for each group. Wilcoxon’s rank sum test and Friedman’s test were used, and values of p < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.

Results
All four groups showed a significant reduction in the VAS scores immediately after treatment. The most long-term results were obtained in group with combined treatment.

Conclusions
The present study demonstrates that better result has been noted in group with combined application of ethanolic extract of propolis with diode laser (810 nm) irradiation.