Introduction Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) is a painful tooth condition affecting a large proportion of the world population. While DH is not a direct cause of tooth loss, it does cause discomfort and stress. DH treatment methods include desensitizers, such as fluoride compounds; polycyanoacrylate coating; low intensity laser therapy; and surgery as a last resort. In Cuba, a fluoride varnish, Profilac, is widely used with acceptable results. Tisuacryl, an N-butyl-2-cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesive is licensed in Cuba as a medical device used for closing wounds and as a protective covering or dressing for oral tissues. Experimental use of Tisuacryl in DH treatment has begun recently with good results.

Objective Evaluate the effectiveness and safety of Tisuacryl in treating dentin hypersensitivity.

Methods An experimental, prospective, longitudinal, multicenter, non-controlled clinical investigation was conducted using the licensed medical device Tisuacryl. The study universe consisted of patients with DH symptoms who sought treatment at three dental clinics in Havana Province between May 2007 and February 2009. The sample consisted of 152 patients who met inclusion and diagnostic criteria for the study. DH was classified as severe, moderate, or mild. Remission of dentinal pain was the principal variable for evaluating effectiveness. Safety variables were mucosal irritation and burning sensation at the treatment site. Treatment was considered successful if DH was cured, defined as remission of pain and relief of discomfort (irritation or burning sensation) with no other adverse events by the final evaluation on day 6 after treatment initiation.

Results Tisuacryl treatment was successful in 96.7% of patients (81.5% with severe DH and 100% with mild to moderate DH). Mucosal irritation was observed in only 1 patient at first evaluation on day 2 but disappeared by the second evaluation. No other adverse events were reported.

Conclusions Tisuacryl was shown to be an effective, safe treatment of dentin hypersensitivity, especially moderate and mild cases.

Keywords Dentin hypersensitivity, tooth, hyperesthesia, tissue adhesives, cyanoacrylates, biomaterials