Gluma is a
brand-name
A brand is a name, term, design, symbol or any other feature that distinguishes one seller's good or service from those of other sellers. Brands are used in business, marketing, and advertising for recognition and, importantly, to create a ...
desensitizer, used in
dentistry
Dentistry, also known as dental medicine and oral medicine, is the branch of medicine focused on the teeth, gums, and mouth. It consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention, management, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions o ...
to treat sensitivity, product created by manufacturer Heraeus Kulzer, a German company.
Use
Its formula of 5%
glutaraldehyde and 35% HEMA (hydroxy-
ethyl methacrylate) in
water
Water (chemical formula ) is an inorganic, transparent, tasteless, odorless, and nearly colorless chemical substance, which is the main constituent of Earth's hydrosphere and the fluids of all known living organisms (in which it acts as a ...
is used to help control both hypersensitive
dentin
Dentin () (American English) or dentine ( or ) (British English) ( la, substantia eburnea) is a calcified tissue of the body and, along with enamel, cementum, and pulp, is one of the four major components of teeth. It is usually covered by ena ...
and reduce the incidence of post-operative sensitivity in restorative
dentistry
Dentistry, also known as dental medicine and oral medicine, is the branch of medicine focused on the teeth, gums, and mouth. It consists of the study, diagnosis, prevention, management, and treatment of diseases, disorders, and conditions o ...
procedures. It’s also useful as a cavity
disinfectant
A disinfectant is a chemical substance or compound used to inactivate or destroy microorganisms on inert surfaces. Disinfection does not necessarily kill all microorganisms, especially resistant bacterial spores; it is less effective than st ...
, a
rewetting agent and an
adhesion
Adhesion is the tendency of dissimilar particles or surfaces to cling to one another ( cohesion refers to the tendency of similar or identical particles/surfaces to cling to one another).
The forces that cause adhesion and cohesion can be ...
promoter (when combined with most dentin bonding systems).
Research indicates that when used as a desensitizer under bonded restorative material, Gluma has no significant influence on bond strength, unlike some other liners, which contribute to a decrease in bond strength. In one study,
potassium nitrate
Potassium nitrate is a chemical compound with the chemical formula . This alkali metal nitrate salt is also known as Indian saltpetre (large deposits of which were historically mined in India). It is an ionic salt of potassium ions K+ and nitrat ...
was more effective at reducing sensitivity.
Method of action
The glutaraldehyde in Gluma works by occluding (blocking) the microscopic tubules that compose
dentin
Dentin () (American English) or dentine ( or ) (British English) ( la, substantia eburnea) is a calcified tissue of the body and, along with enamel, cementum, and pulp, is one of the four major components of teeth. It is usually covered by ena ...
, thereby preventing the flow of fluid and decreasing sensitivity.
Gluteraldehyde induces coagulation of proteins in dentinal tubules, which reacts with the serum albumin in the dentinal fluid to cause its precipitation. HEMA forms deep resinous tags and then occludes the dentinal tubules.
[Sanjay Miglani, Vivek Aggarwal, and Bhoomika Ahuja]
Dentin hypersensitivity: Recent trends in management
''J Conserv Dent'' 2010 Oct-Dec;13(4): 218–224
References
External links
Heraeus Kulzer
Disinfectants