Dentine Hypersensitivity

David Gillam, BA, BDS, MSc, DDS, FRSPH, FHEA, graduated from Edinburgh Dental School in 1977 and subsequently gained experience as a dentist in general practice, the Armed Forces and Community Dental Services before undertaking an MSc in Periodontology in 1986-1988 at Guy's Dental School, London. He subsequently worked at the Eastman Dental Institute for Oral Health Care Sciences (1989-1998), where he was involved in both laboratory and clinical research as well as in teaching postgraduate students in Periodontology. On leaving the university environment in 1998, Dr. Gillam worked in industry for several years, initially with SmithKline Beecham (Assistant Director in Oral Care) and subsequently with Block Drug Company, Incorporated, USA (Assistant Director in Oral Care). From 2003 to 2008 he worked with a clinical research organisation as Senior Clinician, gaining experience as a Clinical Assessor and as a Principal Investigator conducting clinical studies on oral care products. At present Professor Gillam is working as a Professor in Translational Research in Relation to Dentistry at the Bart's and the London Medical and Dental School in London. His main interests lie in the management of dentine sensitivity. He is currently working with Professor Robert Hill in the development of bioactive glasses for the treatment of dental conditions, in particular dentine sensitivity. To date Professor Gillam has published over 100 papers on various dental topics.

Introduction Dentine Sensitivity.- Prevalence and Awareness of Dentine Sensitivity.- Aetiology, Clinical Features of Dentine Hypersensitivity Including NCCL (Non -Carious Cervical Lesions).- Mechanisms of Action of Dentine Hypersensitivity and Anatomy of Dental Pulp Complex.- The Role of Tubule Occlusion and Potassium in Dentine Hypersensitivity.- Treatment Modalities and Procedures in Dentine Hypersensitivity.- Management of Dentine Hypersensitivity.- Recent Advances in Dental Materials for Dentine Hypersensitivity.- Materials for the Treatment of Dentine Hypersensitivity.- Quality of Life And Awareness of Dentine Hypersensitivity.- Concluding Remarks.