Abstract
Data sources MEDLINE and EMbase reference lists from relevant articles were hand-searched and a hand-search was made of selected journals dated up to April 2001.
Study selection No randomised controlled trials (RCT) nor quasi-randomised clinical trials were identified, so the review focused on cross-sectional and prospective clinical trials in which periodontitis patients were periodontally treated and the intensity of root sensitivity was evaluated.
Data extraction and synthesis Data extraction was carried out in duplicate using a predetermined appraisal form.
Results The prevalence of root sensitivity was 9–23% before and 54–55% after periodontal therapy. An increase in the intensity of root sensitivity occurred 1–3 weeks following therapy, after which it decreased.
Conclusions There were insufficient RCT to adequately address the stipulated question. Based on the scarce evidence from only two studies, root sensitivity occurs in approximately half of patients following subgingival scaling and root planing. The intensity of root sensitivity increases for a few weeks after therapy, after which it decreases. In clinical practice, it may be recommended that, prior to treatment, patients should be made aware of the potential for root sensitivity. In research, there is a need for RCT and prospective studies with both short and long follow-up periods. Studies are also required that investigate the effects and the relationship of root instrumentation with the aetiology of root sensitivity; the efficacy of preventive and therapeutic regimes for root sensitivity; the incidence and severity of root sensitivity by subjective patient-reporting; and the response to different modes of stimuli. Furthermore, protocols should follow the criteria used in dentine hypersensitivity studies.
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Address for correspondence: Birgitta von Troil, Albertinkatu 24A, FIN-00120 Helsinki, Finland. E-mail: birgitta.vontroil@kolumbus.fi
von Troil B, Needleman I, Sanz M. A systematic review of the prevalence of root sensitivity following periodontal therapy. J Clin Periodontol 2002; 29(Suppl. 3):S173–S177
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Matthews, D. Over half all patients develop short-term root sensitivity after periodontal therapy. Evid Based Dent 4, 63 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6400199
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ebd.6400199
