0260 Correlation of Bleaching Color Changes and Tooth Sensitivity with 10%-CP

M.B. FERGUSON1 , S. NAGAI1 , K. ISHIBASHI2 , T. TERUI1 , and H. WEBER1 , 1 Harvard University, Boston, MA, USA, 2 Iwate Medical University, Morioka, Japan

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the frequency and the level of tooth sensitivity caused by two commonly used 10% carbamide peroxide bleaching systems, and to statistically evaluate the correlation of sensitivity and color change.

Materials and Methods: Fifty-nine patients were included in this study. Thirtyfour patients used 10% Opalescence and 25 patients received 10% Nite White. Sensitivity scoring was calibrated and the scores recorded into 4 categories (0:none, 1: slight, 2:moderate: 3:severe). The sensitivity scores were recorded for 14 days. CIELAB color difference dE, dL*, da* and db* values before and after bleaching were measured using a spectrophotometer. Sperman's analysis was performed for statistical comparison.

Results: The mean sensitivity scores were increased by approximately 1 point for the first five days and slowly decreased until the 14th day of bleaching, the study completion. The frequency rate of sensitivity was 27% for the first day of bleaching and increased by approximately 60% by the 5th day. Then, sensitivity gradually decreased reaching 34% on the last day of bleaching. There was a statistically significant positive correlation between sensitivity score and dE (r=0.534) and dL* (r=0.446) values, while a negative correlation was found for db* (r=-0.47) values. On the other hand, da* revealed no significant correlation (r=0.20).

Conclusion: Tooth sensitivity in this study was slight and reversible. Tooth sensitivity was positively correlated with color changes obtained by bleaching with 10% carbamide-peroxide. Seq #42 - Bleaching Materials, Resin Composites - Color 8:00 AM-9:30 AM, Thursday, 11 March 2004 Hawaii Convention Center 311