Student Theses, Dissertations and Capstones

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science (M.S.) in Dentistry

Copyright Statement

All rights reserved. This publication is intended for use solely by faculty, students, and staff of Nova Southeastern University. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, now known or later developed, including but not limited to photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author or the publisher.

Department

College of Dental Medicine

First Advisor

Sibel Antonson

Second Advisor

Cristina Garcia-Godoy

Third Advisor

Evren Kilinc

Publication Date / Copyright Date

2020

Publisher

Nova Southeastern University

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate and compare the reliability of different methods to measure sensitivity caused by in-office bleaching procedures.

Methodology: A convenience sample of 34 patients from the dental clinics at Nova Southeastern University participated in the study upon IRB approval, signing consent forms and complying the inclusion/exclusion criteria. All procedures were provided by the same operator (Dr. Abuzinadah) according to the manufacturer’s instructions using Opalescence® Boost® PF 40% (Ultradent, South Jordan, UT). No additional treatments were provided for desensitization. A visual analogue scale (VAS) was used to assess the level of sensitivity during the procedure, 1-hour, 24-hours, 48-hours, 1-week and 2- weeks intervals. Electric pulp test (EPT) was also used before and after the bleaching and at 2-weeks follow-up. Both of these tests were compared to evaluate if there is a correlation, and which method was more accurate in providing us with a better understanding of the patients’ experience. Pairwise correlations using a Bonferroni adjustment were used toexamine the association between VAS and EPT values. A mixed, general linear model with Tukey-adjusted pairwise comparisons were used to compare changes in VAS and EPT values over time. Statistical significance was found at p<0.05.

Results: Statistically, no significant correlation was found between VAS and EPT, when compared at during the procedure and 2-weeks follow up (p=0.824, and p= 0.160). Also, EPT did not show any difference in sensitivity during each time period (p=0.168, and p= 0.121). Significant difference was found when VAS was comparing in different time points giving us a better understanding of the sensitivity experienced by patients. Differences was found at p=0.0001.

Conclusion: VAS showed greater reliability in assessing patients’ sensitivity level throughout the procedure, even though VAS is a subjective tool. On the other hand, EPT showed no correlation to patients’ experience nor VAS outcomes.

Disciplines

Dentistry

Keywords

Dental bleaching, Dental sensitivity, EPT, VAS

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