Is surgical root coverage effective for the treatment of cervical dentin hypersensitivity? A systematic review.

Background: Cervical dentin hypersensitivity (CDH) is characterized by tooth pain arising from root exposure. The aim of the present systematic review is to survey the literature on the efficacy of surgical root coverage techniques at reducing CDH in cases of gingival recession.

Methods: An online electronic search was performed in PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases. Randomized clinical trials dating from the inception of the respective databases through November 2011 were selected. Studies addressing clinical parameters of periodontal plastic surgery outcomes and variables related to CDH in patients ≥18 years of age were included. The studies were evaluated by two independent reviewers. For each article, methodologic quality, size effect, the periodontal parameters measured, study design, methods, and results were analyzed.

Results: Nine relevant articles were analyzed in the present review. A decrease in CDH was observed after periodontal surgery for root coverage. The risk of bias was considered low in two studies, and the size effect was considered large in one study.

Conclusions: There is not enough scientific evidence to conclude that surgical root coverage procedures predictably reduce CDH. Well-conducted clinical trials are needed to establish scientific evidence that allows periodontists to indicate root coverage as treatment for CDH.