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Procedures

Desensitizing medications

Procedure overview

Learn about the dental procedure, when it is generally prescribed, and other information which can increase your knowledge of the topic.

Desensitizing medications applied by dentists include GLUMA Desensitizer, a patented formulation of glutardialdehyde, purified water, and hydroxymethacrylate; and various desensitizing products based on "4-META" methacrylate bonding agents. Essentially, these material plug the microscopic pores in teeth that cause sensitivity.

GLUMA tooth desensitizing medication for dentin hypersensitivity

Figure 1: GLUMA Desensitizer is a desensitizing agent that is applied to sensitive teeth by the dentist. It is dispensed from a small bottle and applied with a fine brush.

If a patient is experiencing more than a mild sensitivity to temperature extremes or sweets, and the dentist has ruled out pulpitis (inflamed tooth pulp), tooth decay, infection, or gum disease as a cause, desensitizing medications may be used to seal the microscopic pores of exposed root surfaces. It is also frequently used on freshly cut dentin during restorative dental procedures (e.g. fillings, crowns) before the restoration is placed on the tooth to help prevent post-operative tooth sensitivity.