Abstract
Dentin hypersensitivity (DH) affects a significant proportion of adult patients and presents as a sharp, short-lasting pain arising from exposed dentin in response to thermal, tactile, osmotic, or chemical stimuli. While not life-threatening, DH can severely impact oral health-related quality of life and often represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge in daily clinical practice.
This two-part lecture series will address both the etiopathogenesis and diagnosis and the evidence-based management strategies of dentin hypersensitivity. Participants will be provided with a critical review of current scientific insights, diagnostic approaches, clinical algorithms, and the latest treatment options ranging from home-care to professional interventions. Emphasis will be placed on recent developments of desensitizing toothpastes and long-term management strategies.
Learning Objectives
- Define dentin hypersensitivity and differentiate it from other orofacial pain conditions.
- Describe the current understanding of the pathophysiology of DH, including the hydrodynamic theory.
- Identify and categorize the etiological factors contributing to exposed dentin and symptom manifestation.
- Develop a structured diagnostic workflow to confirm DH and rule out differential diagnoses.
- Interpret clinical and epidemiological data to better understand DH prevalence and patient profiles.
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