Pro-Argin Technology an option for immediate management of dentin hypersensitivity

Pro-Argin Technology is an option available to dental professionals to assist in the immediate management of dentin hypersensitivity. When patients present for a dental hygiene appointment and have dentin hypersensitivity, performing debridement procedures may be difficult for the practitioner and painful for the patient.Pro-Argin Technology is designed to provide instant and lasting relief for dentin hypersensitivity for a period of 4 weeks. This technology system contains both calcium carbonate and arginine. Arginine is an animo acid found in saliva.(1)

The calcium carbonate and arginine bind to the dentin surfaces, which helps attract a calcium rich layer into the dentin tubules to plug and seal them. The blocking of fluid movement in the tubules reduces pain and discomfort. An added benefit is that Pro-Argin Technology helps to resist acids such as low pH from beverages and juices.

For those patients who present with dentin hypersensitivity, Pro-Relief desensitizing paste can be applied prior to a debridement or polishing procedure. The paste is applied using a rotary cup and polished at low speed onto each affected tooth. The product is applied for 3 seconds, providing immediate relief. Studies of the efficacy of Pro-Argin Technology for in-office relief of hypersensitivity have been investigated.(2,3) These double-blind, parallel studies demonstrated significant improvement from baseline in tactile and air blast sensitivity scores with relief lasting or 4 weeks.

When patients find local anesthesia procedures either frightening or painful, Pro-Relief can eliminate these concerns. Since relief is immediate and long-lasting, dental and dental hygiene procedures can be performed simply and efficiently. Having personally experienced considerable hypersensitivity post-chemotherapy, the Pro-Argin Technology made my dental hygiene appointment pain-free. The taste is pleasant and the application takes only a few minutes to complete. The results were amazing. In just a few seconds, my sensitivity resolved. Having used Pro-Relief paste on other patients revealed the same results, allowing them a comfortable dental hygiene experience.References
1. Kleinberg I. SensiStat, a new saliva-based composition for simple and effective treatment of entinal sensitivity pain. Dentistry Today. December 2002;21:42-47.2. Hamlin D, et al. Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of a desensitizing paste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate for the in-office relief of dentin hypersensitivity associated with dental prophylaxiz. Am J Dent 22 (Special issue) 16A-20A, 2009.3. Schiff T, et al. Clinical evaluation of the efficacy of an in-office desensitizing paste containing 8% arginine and calcium carbonate in providing instant and lasting relief of dentin hypersensitivity. Am J Dent 22 (special issue) 8A-15A, 2009.

JoAnn R. Gurenlian, RDH, PhD, is President, Gurenlian & Associates, and President-Elect, International Federation of Dental Hygienists.