Both silver diamine fluoride and alternative restorative technique effective for arresting caries: Study

Results:

At 6- and 12-month-evaluation periods, no statistically significant differences in lesions arrest were found between SDF and ART groups (P = 1.000). Considering the frequency of arrested caries between the test groups at 6 and 12 months, no significant differences were observed between anterior and posterior lesions, as well as between the maxillary and mandibular lesions. When comparing the working time for the two treatments, the median time for those treated with SDF was 3.3 min, compared to 14.4 min for ART and was statistically significant (P < 0.0001).

Thus, the researchers concluded that both SDF and ART are, indeed, effective for arresting caries. However, the chair-time management required for SDF is significantly shorter compared to ART. Taking into consideration the present evidence, the best decision regarding disease management and application of SDF or ART is to be made by the dentist and the patient/parent, recognizing individuals' differences and preferences.

Reference:

Caries arrest effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride compared to alternative restorative technique: randomized clinical trial by H. M. Abdellatif, et al. published in the European Archives of Paediatric Dentistry.

https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40368-020-00592-0