Silver Diamine Fluoride

Children with primary teeth with dentin carious lesions without pulp involvement, who have previously been treated with either Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) followed by Resin Modified Glass Ionomer or with Resin Modified Glass Ionomer alone, will be retrieved from the Pediatric Dentistry and Dental Public Health Department records. The aim of the study, a detailed description of the procedure, and how the tooth will be used, will be explained to the parents and their child, and written informed consent from the parents and assent from the child will be obtained.

Introduction: Dental caries constitutes a major oral health problem at a global scale for the elderly population. It impacts the health system due to its high incidence and prevalence and its associated costs. The growing population of elderly experiencing a loss of autonomy is accompanied by a decline in motor functions, which affects their ability to carry out everyday tasks such as brushing their teeth. The resulting poor oral hygiene can contribute to the onset of oral diseases. Dental caries can significantly impact the quality of life of the elderly by provoking pain, chewing difficulties, tooth loss and malnutrition. Recently, Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) 38% has been introduced to the market as an efficient solution for promoting oral health and arresting active caries. SDF is a compound of silver, fluoride, and ammonia, which comes in the form of a bluish liquid and is applied in small amounts on active carious lesions. Despite its recent approval by Health Canada as a temporary solution for arresting active caries, few randomized controlled trials have evaluated its effectiveness on the institutionalized elderly. Objectives: This pilot study aims to evaluate the impact of SDF on the oral health of the elderly living in long-term care facilities. Principal objective: evaluate effectiveness of SDF on arrestation of active caries when applied for the elderly with loss of autonomy in long-term care facilities. Secondary objectives: 1. evaluate the relationship between SDF application and caries activity 2. Analysis of salivary biomarkers involved in the associated inflammatory processes. Methodology: A randomized controlled feasibility and effectiveness study design will be employed. This study will span over 12 months and will include 3 data collection phases. At T0 (baseline): SDF group participants will receive an SDF application on their active caries. Control group participants will receive a 0.9% saline solution (placebo) application. AT T1, 6 months after T0: First phase of data collection, the two groups will receive SDF application. At T2, 12 months after T0: second phase of data collection, and for ethical reasons, the control group, who received placebo at T0, will receive an SDF application. At the end of the project, a fluoride varnish application will be carried out on both groups to prolong preventive effects of treatment. A short questionnaire will also be shared with participants to evaluate their satisfaction and identify unintended adverse effects. Anticipated results: Demonstrate the efficiency of SDF in controlling active caries in the elderly with autonomy loss. Elaborate a clinical protocol for SDF application in long-term care facilities Establish the required sample size for a future bigger study.

The goal of this randomized clinical trial is to evaluate if Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a more conservative and effective treatment in preventing the progression of mild occlusal caries compared to fissure sealant in patients aged 20-45 years with incipient molar caries. The main question it aims to answer is: Is SDF more effective in arresting caries progression than fissure sealant? Does SDF prevent the formation of new caries compared to fissure sealant? Researchers will compare SDF treatment to fissure sealant application to see if SDF results in better caries arrest and fewer new carious lesions. Participants will: Be randomly assigned to receive either SDF or fissure sealant. Have follow-up assessments at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months for caries progression, arrest, and new caries formation. Undergo clinical evaluations using visual and tactile examinations to assess caries arrest and progression and using DIAGNOdent laser fluorescence system .