A Comparative Study On The Effect Of Propolis And Dentine Bonding Agent In Treating Dentine Hypersensitivity: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Phase: EARLY_PHASE1
Conditions: Dentine Hypersensitivity
Sponsor: Dow University of Health Sciences

A Comparative Study on the Effect of Propolis and Dentine Bonding 
Agent in Treating Dentin Hypersensitivity:  A Randomized Clinical Trial. 
 
A RESEARCH PROPOSAL 
 
By 
 
Dr. Ather Akber 
MSc.DS Periodontology 
Batch-I 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Submitted to the Scientific Committee Dow University of Health Sciences 
In partial fulfillment of the requirement For the Degree of 
Master of Science - Dental Surgery 
Periodontology 
 
 
 
 
 
Dated:   30th May’ 2018 
Approved by: Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR)  

 
 
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RESEARCHER:  
Name:  Dr. Ather Akber 
 
 
 
Designation: Lecturer, Post graduate trainee   
Department: Periodontology  
 
 
Qualification: BDS, MSc.DS Trainee  
 
 
  
 
Signature: ___________________ 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
SUPERVISOR: 
Name: Dr. Shahbaz Ahmed 
 
 
 
 
 
Designation: Associate Professor  
Department: Operative dentistry 
 
 
 
 
 
Qualification: BDS, MSc, FCPS 
 
 
 
 
 
Signature: ___________________ 
 

 
 
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Table of Contents 
 
Abstract: ............................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. 
Chapter 1: Introduction. ...................................................................................................................5 
1.1 Background: .................................................................................................................................5 
1.2 Literature Review:.........................................................................................................................7 
1.3 Rationale of the Study: ................................................................................................................ 10 
1.4 Statement of Problem .................................................................................................................. 10 
1.5 Objectives .................................................................................................................................. 10 
1.6 Hypothesis.................................................................................................................................. 10 
1.7 Operational Definitions: .............................................................................................................. 11 
Chapter 2: Methodology ................................................................................................................ .12 
2.1 Study Design: ............................................................................................................................. 12 
2.2 Study Setting: ............................................................................................................................. 12 
2.3 Study Duration:........................................................................................................................... 12 
2.4 Study Population:........................................................................................................................ 12 
               2.4.1 Inclusion Criteria: ........................................................................................................ 12 
               2.4.2 Exclusion Criteria: ....................................................................................................... 13 
2.5 Sample Size: ............................................................................................................................... 13 
2.6 Sampling Technique:................................................................................................................... 14 
2.7 Data Collection Procedure: .......................................................................................................... 15 
2.8 Data Analyses: ............................................................................................................................ 18 
               2.8.1 Study Variables: .......................................................................................................... 18 
               2.8.2 Statistical Analysis....................................................................................................... 18 
2.9 
Ethical considerations: ........................................................................................................... 18 
2.10 
Study Time line: .................................................................................................................... 19 
2.11 
Budget: ................................................................................................................................. 19 
Chapter 3: References: ................................................................................................................... 20 
APPENDIX-I ................................................................................................................................... 23 
APPENDIX-II .................................................................................................................................. 24 
APPENDIX-III................................................................................................................................. 25 
 

 
 
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ABSTRACT 
Background:  
Dentin Hypersensitivity causes considerable pain and discomfort to an individual due to number 
of stimuli on exposed dentine.  Different kinds of treatment strategies used in the resolution of 
Dentine hypersensitivity including the use of Propolis and Dentine Bonding Agent. No study has 
compared the efficacy of Propolis and Dentine Bonding Agent. 
 
Objectives: 
 Comparison of the efficacy of Propolis and Dentine Bonding Agent in the treatment of Dentin 
Hypersensitivity. 
 
Methods:   
In this six month In- Vivo single blinded Randomized Clinical Study, a total number of 50 
patients with complain of dentine hypersensitivity will be selected in two groups after taking 
consent. Group A and B will receive Propolis and Dentine Bonding Agent respectively by a 
trained operator. Recordings of Dentin Hypersensitivity will be obtained at Day 0, before and 
after the application of experimental agents, and also on Day 7, 15 and 30 by the Researcher. 
Response will be measured by Visual Analog Scale and Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale. SPSS 
v.20 will used to analyze the data with level of significance set at p < 0.05. Friedman test will be 
applied to see the comparison within groups and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test will be used for 
Pairwise comparison. Mann Whitney U-Test will be applied for comparison between groups. 
 
Key Words: Dentin Hypersensitivity, Propolis, Dentine Bonding Agent, Visual Analog Scale 
(VAS), Randomized Clinical Trail, Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale 

 
 
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CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION 
 
1.1 Background 
 
Dentin Hypersensitivity can be defined as “Short acting, sharp pain that arises from exposed 
dentine due to various stimuli which is evaporative, thermal, osmotic, tactile and chemical and 
this pain cannot be attributed to any other form of dental defect, disease or pathology 1, 2. Many 
other terms have been used to diagnose this typical common condition such as Dentine 
Sensitivity, Root sensitivity, cervical dentine sensitivity, cemental hypersensitivity but Dentin 
Hypersensitivity is the most often used term across the literature 3. 
It has been reported that Dentin Hypersensitivity has multifactorial etiology and patients with 
periodontal 
and 
gingival 
disease 
usually 
encounter 
this 
painful 
condition 
4. 
Dentin 
Hypersensitivity is initiated by denudation of dentinal tubules and several possible common 
causative factors which include gingival recession, pockets formation, acute and chronic 
inflammatory periodontal diseases, trauma, traumatic occlusal forces, parafunctional habits, 
acidic dietary components, abrasion, erosion, attrition, abfraction, tooth flexure, faulty and 
overzealous tooth brushing and periodontal procedures (specially Scaling and Root planing) lead 
to dentine exposure 5-7. 
Dentin Hypersensitivity as reported by Canadian Advisory Board is Diagnosis of Exclusion 2. It 
is diagnosed by means of self-report of sharp pain in vital tooth/ teeth by patients in response to 
external stimuli. 8. 
A number of theories have been put forward to describe the mechanism of Dentin 
Hypersensitivity 9 but  Brannstorm’s Hydrodynamic Theory is the most widely acceptable theory 

 
 
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and according to this theory, various stimuli cause changes in fluid movements in dentinal 
tubules either outwards or inwards, resulting in activation of nocireceptors in pulpodentinal 
border, which ultimately lead to the characteristic short, sharp pain of Dentin Hypersensitivity 10, 
11. 
Variation in Prevalence of Dentin Hypersensitivity exists worldwide, ranging from 1.34% to 
98%12-14. This presence of variation exists due to several reasons including different study 
designs, different selection criteria for each study sample, different diagnostic approaches and 
also type of setting where study was performed 15, 16. 
As understanding of the cause of Dentin Hypersensitivity, the most appropriate treatment would 
be occlusion and blockage of exposed dentinal tubules and inhibition of the movement of 
intratubular fluid and the agents which have ability to seal and occlude the dentinal tubules are 
ideal for the treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity 17, 18. Based on the mechanism of action, 
different agents have been widely used all around the world for the treatment of Dentine 
Hypersensitivity. Potassium nitrate used as a Nerve desensitizing agent and is widely used in 
dentifrices. Gluteraldehyde, Silver nitrate, Zinc chloride, Strontium chloride hexahydrate used as 
Protein precipitating agents and used in the treatment of Dentine Hypersensitivity by occluding 
patent tubules. Sodium fluoride, Stannous fluoride, Strontium chloride, Calcium phosphate, 
Calcium carbonate, Bio active glasses used as dentinal tubules Plugging agents. Fluoride 
varnishes, Oxalic acid and resin, Glass ionomer cements, Composites, Dentin bonding agents 
used as Dentine adhesive sealers. Lasers such as Neodymium:yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd-
YAG) laser, GaAlAs (galium-aluminium-arsenide laser), Erbium-YAG laser nowadays also used 
for the treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity. Researches have been taking place on several other 

 
 
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materials among which Propolis is of special interest which has been used in homeopathic and 
herbal practices since long time 19, 20. 
 
 
1.2 Literature Review 
The properties of ideal desensitizing agent are that they should not irritate the pulp or cause 
discomfort on application or later on, easily applicable, effective long lastingly and it should not 
stained the teeth, as described by Grossman 21.  Such treatment has not been discovered so far.  
There is no Standard treatment till date for Dentine Hypersensitivity and this study aims to find 
one. Adhesive restoration materials and dentinal adhesives are considered dentinal tubule sealers 
and with the ability of sealing open dentinal tubules, it is used in the treatment of Dentin 
Hypersensitivity 20. Reduction in Dentin Hypersensitivity with the application and penetration of 
resins for occlusion of dentinal tubules was suggested by Dayton et al and Nordenvell & 
Brannstorm 22, 23. Various studies found the significant effect of Dentine Bonding Agent in the 
reduction of Dentin Hypersensitivity24-27. In a study conducted in Thailand, in 2008 by Tasanee 
Tengrungsun et al reported a significant reduction of Dentin Hypersensitivity by Dentine 
Bonding Agent and it was also superior to other experimental agent i.e. GaAIAs laser 27. Prati C. 
et al reported a significantly decrease in Dentin Hypersensitivity with respect to the baseline 
values just after 10 minutes by Dentine Bonding Agent24. Other studies also found a significant 
relief in the symptoms of Dentin Hypersensitivity when treated with Dentine Bonding Agent 25, 
26. Duran et al in randomized split mouth study design concluded that Dentine Bonding Agents 

 
 
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significantly reduce the symptoms of Dentin Hypersensitivity and will be used in the treatment 
of Dentin Hypersensitivity 28. 
Dental adhesives technologies advance through many generations with changes in their 
mechanism, 
application 
technique, 
clinical 
effectiveness 
and 
number of steps. Seventh 
generation is the easiest and advanced adhesive system which is one step self-etch system 
combines the etchant, primer and bonding resin in a single application. This All in one adhesive  
system contains acidic functional monomers, hydrophobic and hydrophilic monomers, organic 
solvents and water into a single solution. 29 Less postoperative sensitivity, reduced technique 
sensitivity and simplified clinical application are the advantages that made self-etching system a 
favorable system than etch and rinse system. 3M ESPE Scotchbond™ Universal Adhesive 
system is a Seventh generation one-step self-etch adhesive system which is indicated in sealing 
of dentinal tubules and this can be used in the treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity. 
Propolis is naturally occurring, resinous, non- toxic honey bee (Apis mellifera) product, collected 
from living plants. In homeopathic and herbal practice, it is widely used as anti-inflammatory, 
anti-septic and in treating different diseases as both local and systemic applications. The word 
“Propolis” is derived from Greek word “Pro” (in front of, at the entrance to) and “Polis” (city or 
community) and means a defender of a city or community. Bee glue is sometime used as a 
synonym for Propolis 30. Due to its botanical origin, variation exists in Propolis composition 
therefore geographical location is a major determinant of its composition. It is generally 
composed of a mixture of 50- 60% resins and vegetable balsam , 35% waxes, 5-10% essentials 
and aromatic oils, 5- 10% Pollen, and 10- 15% other constituents such as Vitamin A, Vitamin B- 
complex, Vitamin E, amino acids, minerals, and other compounds and highly active biochemical 
substances known as Bioflavonoids. Bioflavonoids (flavones, flavonones and flavonols) are well 

 
 
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recognized 
plant 
extracts 
which 
have the properties of anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-
inflammatory, anti-oxidative and anti-fungal30-32. 
There are various studies showing the uses of Propolis in dentistry and also in medicine and 
surgery. In medical science, Propolis is used as an anti-asthmatic, supports respiratory system, 
used to provide immunity against tumor cells, helps in tissue repair, diabetes control, photo 
inhibitor and for several other reasons33-35. In dentistry, it provides relief from denture 
ulcerations and stomatitis, halitosis, periodontal pocket and abscess. It is also used as intracanal 
medicament for antimicrobial activity, to prevent dental caries, for acceleration and healing of 
oral tissues, reduction in pulp inflammation and also in reduction of Dentin Hypersensitivity35-39. 
There are various in vitro and in vivo studies which show the effect of Propolis in reduction of 
Dentin Hypersensitivity36, 40-48. Almas K et al reported that Propolis is better in occluding 
dentinal tubules than Saline41.  Torwane et al concluded that Propolis showed significant 
reduction in Dentin Hypersensitivity47. Rana Al-Haj Hussain et al reported that Dentin 
Hypersensitivity which occurred due to chair-side tooth bleaching procedure could be 
successfully reduced by using Propolis. 
In the previous studies, Propolis and Dentine Bonding Agents had a significant reduction in 
Dentine Hypersensitivity, but none of the study in the available literature had a comparison 
between Propolis and Seventh generation Dentine Bonding Agent for the treatment of Dentine 
Hypersensitivity. This study will test the Propolis and Seventh generation Dentine Bonding 
Agent as Desensitizing agents to find out which is more effective in treating Dentine 
Hypersensitivity. 

 
 
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1.3 Rationale of Study 
 
Various researches have been done which show the significant effect of Propolis and Dentine 
Bonding Agents in the resolution of Dentin Hypersensitivity. But in the literature available, the 
comparative evaluation of Propolis and Dentine Bonding Agent has not been performed. So this 
study will compare the efficacy of Propolis with Dentine Bonding Agent in the treatment of 
Dentin Hypersensitivity. This study will further signify best regime in long-term success for the 
treatment of Dentin Hypersensitivity among the two options. 
 
1.4 Statement of Problem  
 
Use Propolis and Seventh generation Dentine Bonding Agent for the treatment of Dentine 
Hypersensitivity. 
 
 
1.5 Objectives  
 
The objective of this study is to explore which is more effective between Propolis and Seventh 
generation Dentine Bonding Agent for the treatment of Dentine Hypersensitivity. 
 
 
1.6 Null Hypothesis 
 
There is no difference in the efficacy of Propolis and Dentine Bonding Agent in the treatment of 
Dentin Hypersensitivity 

 
 
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1.7 Operational Definitions: 
 
Dentine Hypersensitivity: Painful condition that arises from exposed vital dentine due to 
external stimulation of exposed dentinal tubules. 1, 2 
Scaling and root debridement [SRD]: Scaling refers to the removal of plaque and calculus 
from the tooth surface whereas debridement is the removal of the necrotic cementum from the 
root surface. 
Visual Analog Scale [VAS]: A Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) is a measurement instrument for 
subjective 
characteristics 
or 
attitudes 
that 
cannot 
be 
directly 
measured. 
This 
psychometric response scale is frequently used in epidemiologic and clinical research to measure 
the intensity or frequency of various symptoms. 
 
Schiff cold air sensitivity scale49: This scale is mainly used to evaluate subject response to a 
stimulus like air or evaporative. This scale is scored as follows: 
1. Subject does not respond to air stimulus. 
2. Subject responds to air stimulus but does not request discontinuation of stimulus. 
3. Subject responds to air stimulus and requests discontinuation or moves from stimulus. 
4. Subject responds to air stimulus, considers stimulus to be painful, and requests 
discontinuation of the stimulus. 

 
 
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CHAPTER 2: METHODLOGY 
 
2.1 Study Design:  
A Single blinded Randomized Clinical Trial. 
2.2 Study Setting:  
This singled- centered Study will be conducted in Periodontology Department of Dow 
International Dental College (DIDC) of Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS). 
 
2.3 Study Duration:  
Study will be conducted in six months after approval of the synopsis 
 
2.4 Study Population:  
2.4.1 Inclusion Criteria: 
1. Subjects included in this study will be selected from outpatients attending the periodontology 
department of DIDC for the problem of Dentin Hypersensitivity. 
2. Healthy males or females of 20- 45 years of age and will have at least 2 vital teeth with 
hypersensitivity on facial surfaces to evaporative stimulus.  
3. Patients with Miller’s Class I and II gingival recession will be included.  
4. Patients with Score I of Silness and Loe Plaque Index50. 
5. The patients should have no systemic and mental illness. 
6. Patients who used Flouride dentifrices for hypersensitivity but could not get relief from it. 

 
 
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2.4.2 Exclusion Criteria: 
1. Patients with Carious, Cracked or Restored teeth, Abutment teeth used of Removable or 
Fixed Prosthesis and tooth with any other dental pathology.  
2. Patients using analgesics, mood alteration drugs during last six months.  
3. Smoker, pregnant and nursing mothers. 
4. Patients using tooth whitening or bleaching agents in the last six months,  
5. Patients undergoing orthodontic therapy and history of periodontal surgery during last six 
months.  
6. Patients who refuse to give consent. 
7. Patients who had Score 2 and 3 of Calculus index will also be excluded from this study. 
 
 
 
2.5 Sample Size:  
Total 50 patients will be carried out (25 in each group). Using PASS version 11, test for Pair 
means with 99% Confidence Interval and Power of test, mean difference of degree of sensitivity 
1.8 (1.9 – 0.01) 27 and 0.42 of Standard Deviation difference (3.35 – 2.93) 27, sample size is 5 
patients per group which we have increased to 25 patients per group. 
 
 
 

 
 
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2.6 Sampling Technique:  
Diagnosis of Dentine Hypersensitivity will be made by obtaining detailed dental history and 
clinical examination of the patients prior to include in the study. History and clinical examination 
will eliminate and exclude the other forms and causes of Dentine Hypersensitivity which will not 
meet the inclusion criteria of this study. Definitive diagnosis of Dentine Hypersensitivity will be 
made by using Evaporative or Air blast stimulus from triple dental syringe on the sensitive 
surface. Then participants will be allocated to two groups through sealed envelope method. 
Groups will be named as Group A (Propolis) and Group B (Dentine Bonding Agent). It will only 
be disclosed out at the time of application of desensitizing agents by Operator.  
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dentin Hypersensitive Patients (N= 50) 
Scaling & Root Debridement and Oral Hygiene 
Instructions (Day 0) 
Randomization 
Group A  
(Propolis) 
 (n=25) 
Group B 
(Dentine Bonding Agent)  
(n=25) 

 
 
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2.7 Data Collection Procedure:  
After explanation of the procedure, efficacy and safety of the materials used, possibilities of 
receiving either treatment options that is Propolis or Dentine Bonding Agent, the patients will be 
asked to sign a consent form at first (Appendix I & II). After the consent, a complete history will 
be obtained from the patient regarding his systemic health, medications, dental treatment and 
hygiene habits and smoking (Appendix III). 
At baseline (Day 0), thorough oral prophylaxis will be done for all the patients which include 
Scaling & Root Debridement with Polishing and detailed oral hygiene instructions should be 
given. Scaling is recommended to remove plaque, calculus and food remnants so clean tooth 
surface will be available for application of Propolis and Dentine Bonding Agent.  Subjects will 
be provided with kit containing same type of standard Toothpaste (Colgate® Maximum Cavity 
protection PLUS Sugar Acid Neutralizer™) and Toothbrush (Colgate®   0   Sensitive Pro-
Relief™) for oral hygiene during research time. Proper tooth brushing technique will be 
explained and demonstrated to each and every patient. Dietary counseling will also be done in 
order to avoid intake of excessive acids during study period. 
After debridement, pretreatment assessment will be done by trained examiner.  To evaluate and 
assess Dentin Hypersensitivity, Evaporative stimulus (controlled air blast stimulus) will be used 
from dental triple syringe or air water syringe which will be directed onto the affected area from 
a distance of 10mm for up to two seconds with complete isolation of the adjacent teeth by cotton 
roll. Responses will be measured on 10 cm line on Visual Analog Scale (VAS)52 which will be 
scored as 0 (No Pain), 1-3 (Mild Pain), 4-6 (Moderate Pain) and 7-10 (Severe Pain). Another 
scale names Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale49 will be used to measure response graded as 0, 1, 

 
 
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2, 3. Responses from all patients will be recorded by a single examiner, who will be blind to the 
applied desensitizing agents. 
The patients will be allocated in to two respected groups, according to randomization by the 
process of sealed envelopes. The groups will be divided according to the desensitizing agents. 
Group A includes patients that will receive Propolis as a treating agent. Propolis obtained from 
Margalla hills, Islamabad by NARC (National Agriculture Research Council, Islamabad). Plant 
source origin is Acacia modesta and Apis mellifera bees collect it. The 30% ethanolic extract of 
Propolis from raw Propolis will be obtained in Pakistan Council of Scientific & Industrial 
Research (PCSIR) by dissolving the Propolis in 95% Ethanol and straining out the precipitate. 
Group B includes patients that will receive Dentine Bonding Agent (Scotchbond™ Universal 
Adhesive, 3M ESPE Dental Products, St. Paul, MN, USA).  
Only the Principal Investigator will be blind to the intervention given to the participants.  
Application of desensitizing agents to participants will be carried out by trained and experienced 
operator and it will only be disclosed to operator at the time of application. Operator will inform 
the participant about the intervention before applying and patients will not be blinded. 
Desensitizing agents will be applied on day 0 (baseline). Complete isolation of proximal sides 
from hypersensitive teeth will be done by using cotton rolls. Hypersensitive teeth surfaces will 
be dried by cotton pellets. Propolis will then be applied by brush on sensitive surfaces and left 
undisturbed for 60 seconds to let it dry. Application of Dentine Bonding Agent on sensitive 
surfaces will be applied single coated for 20 seconds, gently apply air for 5 seconds and cure for 
10 seconds (as manufacturer’s instructions). For Score 4-6 s(Moderate Pain) & 7-10 (Severe 
Pain) on VAS and grade 3 (Subject responds to air stimulus, considers stimulus to be painful and 
requests discontinuation of stimulus) of Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale, application of Propolis 

 
 
17 
 
and Dentine Bonding Agent will be applied under Local Anesthesia and response will be 
recorded on next day. 
Care should be taken to ensure that none of the products will touch other areas of oral mucosa. 
Patients will be instructed not to rinse, drink or eat for half an hour after the application of 
treatment agents and avoid using any desensitizing dentifrices during the course of investigation. 
The clinical evaluation of Dentin Hypersensitivity will be done before and after the application 
of Desensitizing agents at baseline (Day 0), and also on day of re-assessment at 7th, 15th and 30th 
day (Appendix III). 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
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2.8 Data Analysis:  
2.8.1 Study Variables: 
Independent Variables: 
 Sessions (Days) 
 Groups  
Dependent Variables: 
 Visual Analog Scale (VAS) 
 Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale 
2.8.2 Statistical Analyses: 
Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 will be used to analyze the data. The 
level of statically significance will be set at p < 0.05. to see the comparison within groups, 
Friedman test will be applied. For Pairwise comparison, Wilcoxon Signed Ranked Test will 
used. For between groups comparison, Mann- Whitney U- Test will be applied.  
 
2.9 Ethical considerations: 
The present study will be non-offensive and secure for the participants. Participants will be 
selected voluntarily and the informed consent is mandatory to be signed. The participant’s data 
will be kept confidential. The participants will not be forced to continue the study if they are 
unwilling to continue after selection. Final results will be disclosed to the patients once the study 
has completed. The desensitizing agents and procedures that will be used in present study were 

 
 
19 
 
tested before in many other studies and there are no reported incidences of adverse outcome and 
complexity regarding their use. 
 
2.10 Study Time Line 
 
S.NO 
WORKING STEPS 
TIME (MONTHS) 
 
 
1 
2 
3 
4 
5 
6 
1. 
Data collection 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2. 
Data processing/ Analysis 
 
 
 
 
 
 
3. 
Thesis writing 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
2.11 Budget: 
S.NO 
EXPENSE 
AMOUNT 
1. 
Instruments and Material  
10000/= 
2. 
Printing 
15000/= 
3. 
Dentine Bonding Agent 
25000/= 
4. 
Propolis 
25000/= 
5. 
Miscellaneous 
10000/= 
6. 
Incentives 
15000/= 
 
TOTAL 
100,000/= 
 

 
 
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APPENDIX-I 
CONSENT FORM 
Research Title: A Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Propolis and Dentine 
Bonding Agent in Reducing Dentin Hypersensitivity: An in-vivo Randomized Clinical 
Trial.  
 
1. Introduction of Principal Investigator: Dr. Ather Akber, Lecturer & MSc.DS trainee in Department 
of Periodontology at Dow International Dental College (DIDC), DUHS.  
2. Information about Research: This experimental study is being conducted to compare the efficacy of 
Propolis and Dentin Bonding Agent in reducing Dentin Hypersensitivity.  
3. Research Procedure: The procedure involves routine scaling and root debridement under strict sterilization 
and disinfection protocol. After that dentin bonding agent or propolis will be applied to the patients and follow-
up examination will be carried out immediately, after 7 days, 15 days and 30 days. You will pay for the routine 
Scaling and root planing charges to the hospital. You will be provided with a kit containing toothbrush and 
toothpaste during a time of study period 
4. Possible Risks and benefits: There are no known risks associated with any of the materials being used in this 
research. This study will help us to device a method to treat patients having dentin hypersensitivity.  
5. Rights of the participant: Participants are empowered to withdraw from the study at any time during the study 
time period and that there will be no penalties upon withdrawal. The level of care would not be affected if the 
participant decides to withdraw from the study. 
6. Confidentiality: All the data and personal information obtained from the participants will be kept 
confidential. 
7. Contact Info: Dr. Ather Akber. Department of Periodontology, Dow International Dental College 
(Defense Campus), Karachi. Further details may be sought by calling on 0333-3311550 between 9am-
3pm. 
You are welcome to contact the investigator if you have any questions. 
 
Declaration of consent: I confirm that I ________________________understand the information which 
has been provided to me. I also understand that my participation is voluntary, and that I can withdraw 
from the study at any time without giving any reasons. I have also been assured that my medical care will 
not be affected by my withdrawal from the study. 
 
Signature/ Thumb Impression of the participant:____________       Signature of witness:______________ 
 
Signature of Principal Investigator: ______________________              Date:_______________________ 

 
 
24 
 
APPENDIX-II 
 
Date: _______  
 
       Form no: ______  
 
    Envelop: ___________ 
 
Patients Name: ____________________    Age: __________   
 
   Sex: __________ 
Address: ________________________________________________________________ 
Contact No. : _______________  
 
 
Occupation: ______________________ 
VAS 
 
Schiff Cold Air Sensitivity Scale 
0 = Subject does not respond to air stimulus 
1 = Subject responds to air stimulus but does not request discontinuation of stimulus 
2 = Subject responds to air stimulus and requests discontinuation or moves from stimulus 
3 = Subject responds to air stimulus, considers stimulus to be painful and requests    
discontinuation of stimulus 
 
Day 0 (Before Application)  
 
 
 
Day 0(Immediately after application) 
Day 7 
Day 15 
Day 30 
VAS
SCASS