IADR Abstract Archives
Assessing Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment Efficacy in Root Caries
Objectives: Dental caries is one of the most significant health problems facing older adults, with loss being the most significant oral health-related negative variable effecting quality of life for the elderly. The aim of the study was to characterize and assess the effectiveness of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) in carries arrest and preservation of teeth in elderly adults ages 55 and above with localized root caries.
Methods: An IRB approval was obtained, and patient consents were obtained prior to treatment. Clinical patients at Roseman University College of Dental Medicine, 55 and older, who had received comprehensive exams, health and dental histories, and caries risk assessment, who presented with teeth with root decay lesions were assessed by the students and faculty trained in SDF study protocol for treatment of the lesions. Lesions were treated following the UCSF clinical protocols. Patients were instructed to return in 6 months for evaluation of treatment using DIAGNOdent, visual and tactile methods. Data collected was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test.
Results: A total of 90 patients participated in the study. 250 teeth of which 350 surfaces were examined and treated using SDF. Nearly 90% treated subjects have retained their teeth, DAGNOdent reading ranged 30-99 before treatment and 10-30 post SDF application (0-10 is healthy tooth structure). That enabled the providers to prolong the longevity of tooth retention in patients’ mouths. Additional to DIAGNOdent reading, visual and tactile exploration reflected an arrest and remineralization of the lesions. The remaining 10% of treated subjects’ teeth were either fractured and extracted or the decay worsened or patient deceased.
Conclusions: Our results revealed regular application of SDF aids in arrest of the progression of root carries and promotes remineralization in decayed root surfaces. Additionally, SDF aids in preservation of non-restorable teeth in patients 55 and older.
Methods: An IRB approval was obtained, and patient consents were obtained prior to treatment. Clinical patients at Roseman University College of Dental Medicine, 55 and older, who had received comprehensive exams, health and dental histories, and caries risk assessment, who presented with teeth with root decay lesions were assessed by the students and faculty trained in SDF study protocol for treatment of the lesions. Lesions were treated following the UCSF clinical protocols. Patients were instructed to return in 6 months for evaluation of treatment using DIAGNOdent, visual and tactile methods. Data collected was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney U test.
Results: A total of 90 patients participated in the study. 250 teeth of which 350 surfaces were examined and treated using SDF. Nearly 90% treated subjects have retained their teeth, DAGNOdent reading ranged 30-99 before treatment and 10-30 post SDF application (0-10 is healthy tooth structure). That enabled the providers to prolong the longevity of tooth retention in patients’ mouths. Additional to DIAGNOdent reading, visual and tactile exploration reflected an arrest and remineralization of the lesions. The remaining 10% of treated subjects’ teeth were either fractured and extracted or the decay worsened or patient deceased.
Conclusions: Our results revealed regular application of SDF aids in arrest of the progression of root carries and promotes remineralization in decayed root surfaces. Additionally, SDF aids in preservation of non-restorable teeth in patients 55 and older.