Purpose: To compare the in vitro effects of three desensitizing agents on h
ydraulic conductance of human dentin: Protect (n=10), Gluma Desensitizer (n
=10), MS Coat (n=10) (Pain-Free in the USA). Materials and Methods: Dentin
discs were prepared from 40 freshly extracted normal human third molars. Th
e pulpal side of the dentin discs was etched with 37% phosphoric acid for 1
5 s and then rinsed under tap water. The coronal side was sequentially grou
nd and the dentin discs were sonicated for 30 min. The hydraulic conductanc
e was measured filtering 20% serum in phosphate buffered saline under a pre
ssure of 15 cm H2O. The hydraulic conductance of each dentin specimen was m
easured before using the desensitizing agent and this value was designated
as 100%. Thirty dentin discs were treated, the hydraulic conductance was re
measured and expressed as a percentage of the hydraulic conductance of that
specimen before treatment. The teeth were stored for 1 month at 37 degrees
C in deionized water and the hydraulic conductance of the 40 dentin discs
was recorded again. Ten dentin discs were left untreated to serve as a cont
rol. Results: No statistical difference was found between the immediate hyd
raulic conductance of the three groups after treatment. After 1-month stora
ge, the control group showed a statistically higher hydraulic conductance t
han the three treated groups. There was no statistical difference between t
he three dentin desensitizing agents evaluated.