Silver Diamine Fluoride Effectiveness Versus Atraumatic Restorative Treatment in Arresting ECC

Owing to the virulent nature of early childhood caries (ECC) and its consequences if left untreated, immediate intervention is indicated to control the condition.

Barriers to intervention as young age, uncooperative patient behavior and lack of access to dental care are however, very common. The use of silver diamine fluoride as an anticaries agent is of growing popularity worldwide due to its promising results, safety of use, ease of application and relatively low cost. Further research is still required in order to provide evidence-based recommendations regarding the use of SDF in arresting early childhood caries. Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of biannual application of 38% silver diamine fluoride in arresting early childhood caries when compared to atraumatic restorative treatment.

Inclusion criteria

• For children:

• Healthy children.
• Age range 2-5 years.
• Informed consent (Appendix I)

For teeth:

• Teeth with active dentin lesions corresponding to ICDAS II score 5 and 6.
• Teeth having lesions that are considered active according to ICDAS II activity criteria for coronal primary caries.

Exclusion criteria

• For children:

• Children with systemic diseases.
• Children with reported allergy to silver or to any other component in the materials used.
• Children unable to return for recall visits.

For teeth:

• Clinical or radiographic signs of pulpal involvement.(pain, abscess, sinus, obvious discoloration, premature hypermobility, internal or external root resorption).
• Teeth with inactive lesions.