David Gillam

Title: Clinical diagnosis and management of dentin hypersensitivity, practical suggestions for its diagnosis and management

Abstract:

The aim of this presentation is to consider the problems that may be associated with diagnosing dental pain, in particular dentin hypersensitivity (DH) and to advise on the management on the condition. It is evident from reading the published literature that clinicians are not routinely examining their patients for DH or considering eliminating other possible causes of dental pain (differential diagnosis) prior to any subsequent management.  One of the problems that clinicians face when trying to diagnose dental pain, is that there are several clinical conditions that may elicit the same clinical symptoms as DH. It is therefore important that the clinician eliminates any other possible cause of dental pain by recording a thorough medical, dental, and social history together with a well conducted clinical examination with the relevant tests before a correct diagnosis of DH is determined.  Furthermore, the collection of information relating to the aetiology, predisposing factors and clinical symptoms associated with DH is also relevant to the successful management of the condition.  DH is by its definition, a diagnosis of exclusion which focuses the clinician to conduct a differential diagnosis leading to a definitive conclusion, however in some instances, this can be a prolonged process particularly in a new patient. During the presentation several strategies for successful management of DH will be proposed highlighting the importance of prevention and motivation of the patient together the appropriate in-office (professionally applied) and over the counter products to help resolve the problem and its impact of the individual’s quality of life.

Audience Take Away:

• To highlight the problems in diagnosing dental pain, in particular dentine hypersensitivity (DH).
• To help clinicians identify the key clinical features of conflicting dental conditions prior to making a definitive diagnosis.
• To help clinicians use a management strategy that may help them in the treatment of DH.
• To highlight the importance of prevention and motivation in the management of DH.

Biography:

I graduated from Edinburgh Dental School in 1977 and have been involved in Dentistry over the last 40 years. I have worked in both clinical practice and in University Dental Hospitals as well as in Industry (1998-2001) initially with SmithKline Beecham and subsequently with Block Drug Company. From 2003 to 2008 I worked with a Clinical Research Organization and currently I am a Senior Clinical Lecturer in Periodontology at the Bart's and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry QMUL in London (2009-). My main interests are in the area of the Management of Dentine Hypersensitivity and I have published over 85 papers on a number of dental topics as well as contributing to several book chapters.