SynthesisClinical oral investigations2021
Topical application of a desensitizing agent containing potassium nitrate before dental bleaching: a systematic review and meta-analysis.
Synthesis in Clinical oral investigations, 2021. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 13 papers, 1 of them a synthesis that pooled it.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
13 citing papers in PubMed, 1 synthesis or guideline pooled it, 35 citations in OpenAlex.
- Interventions for bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity: an umbrella review.Frontiers in oral health · 2026Pooled it
- Influence of Different Protocols on In-Office Bleaching: Whiteness Difference and Hydrogen Peroxide Penetration.Journal of esthetic and restorative dentistry : official publication of the American Academy of Esthetic Dentistry ... [et al.] · 2025Trial
- Effect of copaiba oil-resin on dental sensitivity control and color change after bleaching: A randomized clinical trial.Clinical oral investigations · 2025Trial
- Effect of an experimental pregabalin gel on dental sensitivity and color change after bleaching with 35% hydrogen peroxide: a randomized clinical trial.Clinical oral investigations · 2025Trial
- Trial
- Effect of an experimental desensitizing gel on bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity after in-office bleaching-a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.Clinical oral investigations · 2023Trial
- Use of infrared photobiomodulation with low-level laser therapy for reduction of bleaching-induced tooth sensitivity after in-office bleaching: a double-blind, randomized controlled trial.Lasers in medical science · 2022Trial
- Comparative Assessment of Ibuprofen-Arginine and Potassium Nitrate-Fluoride Gels for Reducing Post-Bleaching Dentin Sensitivity: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Split-Mouth Trial.International journal of dentistry · 2026Article
- Clinical myths in dental bleaching: an evidence-based structured narrative review.Brazilian oral research · 2026Review
- Effect of potassium nitrate on tooth sensitivity during in-office bleaching: A randomized clinical trial.Journal of clinical and experimental dentistry · 2025Article
- Low and high hydrogen peroxide concentrations of in-office dental bleaching associated with violet light: an in vitro study.Clinical oral investigations · 2024Article
- Effects of the application of sodium ascorbate after in-office bleaching on the penetration of hydrogen peroxide, color change, and microtensile bond strength.Brazilian dental journal · 2023Article
- Pro-inflammatory mediators expression by pulp cells following tooth whitening on restored enamel surface.Brazilian dental journalArticle
Corrections and comments
PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.
Authors and funding
6 authors at 2 institutions in 1 country.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
objectivesTo conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the risk and intensity of tooth sensitivity (TS) after topical application of desensitizers containing potassium nitrate before dental bleaching.
methodsWe searched PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, BBO, Cochrane Library, and SIGLE. We also surveyed gray literature without restrictions. We meta-analyzed the data using the random-effects model to compare potassium nitrate and placebo in terms of risk and intensity of TS and color change (∆SGU or ∆E). The quality of the evidence was rated using the GRADE approach. The risk of bias (RoB) of the included studies was analyzed using the Cochrane RoB tool.
resultsAfter the database screening, 24 articles remained. A significant 12% lower risk for the groups where desensitizing agents were applied (p = 0.02), with a risk ratio of 0.88 (95% CI 0.78 to 0.98). About the intensity of TS, a significant average mean difference of - 0.77 units of VAS units (95%CI - 1.34 to - 0.19; p = 0.01) in favor of the desensitizer group. In the NRS scale, a significant average mean difference of - 0.36 (95% CI - 0.61 to - 0.12; p value = 0.004) in favor of the desensitizer group. No significant difference was observed in color change (p > 0.28) in ∆SGU and ∆E.
conclusionsAlthough a significant reduction in the risk and intensity of TS was observed in groups treated with a potassium nitrate at some point during the bleaching, the clinical significance of this reduction is subtle and clinically questionable. Color change is not affected by the use of agents. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The reduction in the risk and intensity of TS with the topical application of potassium nitrate-based desensitizing agents in dental bleaching is subtle and maybe clinically questionable.
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