The effectiveness of sodium fluoride iontophoresis in patients with sensitive teeth.

This study investigated the use of iontophoresis in altering the sensitivity level of teeth that displayed thermal and tactile hypersensitivity. A total of 95 teeth were treated with an iontophoresis instrument. Forty-eight of these teeth were treated with a placebo of deionized water, and 47 were treated with a 2% sodium fluoride solution. Two of the 47 teeth receiving sodium fluoride had identical pretreatment and posttreatment sensitivity ratings, while 40 teeth (85.1%) demonstrated a reduction in sensitivity. Twenty-nine of the 48 teeth receiving the placebo demonstrated no change in sensitivity. All teeth receiving the placebo were re-treated with sodium fluoride. Forty-seven (97.9%) responded with reduced levels of sensitivity.