HomeAnswersDentistrydesensitization.Can improper use of desensitizers by dentists cause cancer?

Do the constituents in desensitizers cause cancer if not applied as per instructions?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At September 19, 2022
Reviewed AtOctober 12, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I had a filling done two months back on the upper molar but complained of cold sensitivity. I have plaque on my upper teeth, including the molar, which has a filling. My dentist applied a desensitizer without cleaning the plaque on the upper teeth. First, he air dried my upper and then used the desensitizer. He did not rinse after the application. But the instructions on desensitizer states to clean the plaque before applying and then after 60 seconds of application to rinse with water. Since he did not follow instructions, I am worried that my gums may have absorbed the desensitizer or accidentally inhaled or swallowed it, which may lead to cancer in the future; as I read, the constituents in the desensitizer are carcinogenic from the internet.

Can this cause any harm to my health? Or lead to cancer in the future? Do I have any increased cancer risk?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

The desensitizer's ability to be carcinogenic is not true.

I agree that your dentist should have cleaned the tooth of plaque and tartar deposit completely before applying the sensitizer. However, without the preliminary scaling step, especially if you have deposits, we do not usually directly proceed to fillings without suggesting to the patient. Also, the second step, that water rinsing is a must after application post 60 seconds, is correct, but this depends on the brand or instruction manual they must be using, so I am unsure if he was doing it right or wrong.

As per what research I know, there are minimal studies that show desensitizers as a carcinogenic material. Furthermore, it will not cause you an overnight lesion or immediate threat in any way because it has an antimicrobial seal capacity for the dentinal tubules making it an effective agent.

I suggest you can go for a round of dental scaling post a month or two and use an anti-sensitive remineralization toothpaste. Also, regularly use an effective mouthwash like Chlorhexidine with an anti-discoloration system. Do not worry about the carcinogenic impact; it is not completely proven or known. If you have any further doubts about how you need to tackle frequent dentinal hypersensitivity, you can ask me.

Thank you and take care.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I am sorry for asking again, but I suffer from anxiety and want a little bit of reassurance.

So from this wrong application of desensitizer, I am not at any increased risk of cancer in the future, right?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

Just follow the strategies I said, and you will be safe. Do not worry. You will not have any risk of cancer. A desensitizer will rarely be able to cause such lesions, as per the studies we know. So I suggest you not to worry.

If you want another strategy, I suggest you take Vitamin E tablets for five days a month before scaling next month, as vitamin E prevents the risk of any oral lesions. However, please consult a specialist doctor, discuss with them and start taking the medications with their consent.

Practice good oral hygiene, use mouthwash, and take vitamin E tablets five to seven days a month. You will be fine.

I hope this helps.

Thank you and take care.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Achanta Krishna Swaroop
Dr. Achanta Krishna Swaroop

Dentistry

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