Consultants’ Comments

• “Simple one-step chairside procedure for treating dentin hypersensitivity. ”
• “The slight yellow tint is helpful in confirming complete coverage.”
• “Fast, easy, and effective!”

Description

CLEARFIL S³ BOND is a 7^th-generation self-etching primer/adhesive in a single bottle. It is indicated for bonding light-cured composite restorations, porcelain repair, desensitizing indirect preparations, and desensitizing dentin. CLEARFIL S³ BOND is applied to the tooth for 20 seconds, followed by strong air and high-volume suction to evaporate the solvent and is light cured for 10 seconds. Refrigeration is recommended for overnight or long-term storage. CLEARFIL S³ BOND is available in a 4-ml bottle or in 0.1-ml single-dose applicators.

Purpose

To determine the effectiveness of CLEARFIL S³ BOND as a desensitizer for general (cervical) tooth sensitivity and desensitization following scaling/root planing (SRP).

Clinical Evaluation Protocol

A. General Sensitivity

• Forty patients with general tooth sensitivity were treated with the application of CLEARFIL S³ BOND according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
• The level of sensitivity for the 40 patients was determined before treatment, immediately after treatment, and 5-7 days following the application.

B. Scaling/Root Planing
Thirty patients requiring SRP were identified. Sensitive teeth were reported to the hygienist before SRP, and the study protocol was followed:

• Ten patients were treated with CLEARFIL S³ BOND before and after SRP.
• Ten patients were treated with CLEARFIL S³ BOND after SRP only.
• Ten patients received no application of CLEARFIL S³ BOND in conjunction with SRP.
• The level of sensitivity for all 30 patients was determined before SRP; immediately after SRP; and at 7, 30, 90, and 180 days after the procedure.

Assessment of Sensitivity
The level of sensitivity for all 70 patients was determined using a scale of 1 to 5:

• 1 = severe, persistent sensitivity
• 2 =moderate to mild persistent sensitivity
• 3 =moderate intermittent sensitivity
• 4 =mild, sporadic sensitivity
• 5 = no sensitivity

Clinical Observations

A. General Sensitivity
CLEARFIL S³ BOND was applied to teeth with reported dentinal hypersensitivity. Sensitivity ratings were based on the patients’ reports of discomfort to cold, air, and/or sweet food or drink. After application of CLEARFIL S³ BOND, 98% of patients reported a reduction in discomfort, lasting to the five- to seven-day recall. Initially, patients rated sensitivity an average of 2 (moderate to mild persistent sensitivity). Immediately after application and 5-7 days following treatment, the average level of sensitivity rated 4 (mild, sporadic sensitivity). One patient reported no change with CLEARFIL S¬≥ BOND application.

B. Scaling/Root Planing

• All patients reported a reduction in sensitivity immediately following SRP when CLEARFIL S³ BOND was applied before and after treatment. On average, patients rated sensitivity before treatment as 2. Immediately after treatment, and lasting until the 90-day recall, patients rated the level of sensitivity as 4. At the 180-day recall, an increase in sensitivity was noted in 45% of the patients.
• All patients reported a reduction in sensitivity immediately following SRP when CLEARFIL S³ BOND was applied after treatment. On average, patients rated sensitivity before treatment as 2, and immediately after application as 4. The reduction in sensitivity remained steady until the 180-day recall.
• Teeth that were not treated with CLEARFIL S³ BOND in conjunction with SRP showed little variability over the 180-day recall period

.

Conclusions

CLEARFIL S³ BOND is a successful desensitizing agent for treatment of general sensitivity and sensitivity associated with SRP. CLEARFIL S³ BOND demonstrated a decrease in generalized tooth sensitivity immediately after application and at the five- to seven-day recall. Further, when applied before and/or after SRP, CLEARFIL S³ BOND reduced sensitivity lasting up to 180 days.