Abstract

Dentin hypersensitivity is a common clinical condition that can significantly affect patients’ oral health-related quality of life. Despite the wide range of available treatment options, its management remains challenging due to its multifactorial etiology, variable clinical presentation, and differences in the strength of evidence supporting therapeutic interventions.

This lecture will provide a clinically oriented, evidence-based overview of the diagnosis, prevention, and management of dentin hypersensitivity. Particular emphasis will be placed on understanding the underlying mechanisms, identifying contributing factors, and differentiating dentin hypersensitivity from other causes of dental pain.

Current evidence supporting at-home and professionally applied treatments will be reviewed. Participants will gain practical guidance on selecting appropriate treatment strategies, integrating preventive measures, and developing individualized management plans based on the best available scientific evidence.

Learning Objectives

• Understand the etiology and mechanisms of dentin hypersensitivity, including its pathophysiology and contributing risk factors.
• Accurately diagnose dentin hypersensitivity and differentiate it from other causes of dental pain using appropriate clinical assessment methods.
• Critically evaluate the scientific evidence supporting different treatment modalities, including at-home and professionally applied desensitizing agents.
• Select appropriate evidence-based management strategies tailored to individual patient needs, clinical findings, and risk profiles.
• Implement effective preventive and long-term management approaches to reduce hypersensitivity, address underlying etiological factors, and improve patient outcomes.