Comparative Study on the Effect of Propolis and Sodium Fluoride on Exposed Dentinal Tubules

Abstract

Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) occurs on exposed dentin and is dependent on the patency of dentinal tubules. Occlusion of tubules openings may decrease DH according to the hydrodynamic theory. Aim of the study: Evaluate and compare the effect of Propolis and NaF containing agent in occluding exposed dentinal tubules viewed by scanning electron microscope. Materials and Methods: 21 recently extracted caries-free human premolars were used. Teeth were sectioned with a diamond saw, perpendicular to the long axis of the tooth, to create dentin discs with a thickness of 1.0 ± 0.1 mm from the mid coronal dentin. All the specimens were etched with acid etch for 30 sec. to remove the smear layer, in order to expose the tubules. Dentin discs were divided into 3 groups, 7 dentin discs each, according to the treatment solution used as follows: Group I: pretreated with acid etch with no additional treatment. Group II: treated with NaF containing agent. Group III: treated with ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP). All samples were examined with SEM to evaluate the effect of the tested agents on occlusion of dentinal tubules and analyzed using ImageJ Digital Analyzer. The statistical analysis was performed using the arithmetic mean, S.D., unpaired t test and ANOVA. Results: Discs treated with NaF demonstrated tubular occlusion with crystal like deposits on the surface. Discs treated with propolis formed homogenous resinous layer and showed interlocking within the tubules openings. Statistical results showed no significant difference between group II and group III, regarding the number of dentinal tubules and the area percentage of open tubules occupied in the total area. Conclusion: Propolis was as effective as NaF in occluding dentinal tubules.