Stopping tooth decay process is possible!

Clinical trials document arrest and prevention of dental caries by silver diamine fluoride.

The silver acts as an antimicrobial, the fluoride promotes remineralization [of tooth structure]. 1

Graphic summary of randomized controlled trials demonstrating caries arrest after topical treatment with 38% silver diamine fluoride (SDF). Studies are arranged vertically by frequency of silver diamine fluoride application. Caries arrest is defined as the fraction of initially active carious lesions that became inactive and firm to a dental explorer. SDF (38% unless noted otherwise); q6mon, every six months; q1year, every year; q3mon, every three months; GIC, glass ionomer cement; NaF, 5% sodium fluoride varnish; + OHI q6mon, SDF every year and oral hygiene instructions every six months.

You should note that when the SDF is successful in remineralizing portions of the tooth, it will be very dark black in appearance. It is not ideal treatment, but is a great solution for cases like this, and in pediatric and geriatric patients with extensive caries*.

*Caries is the name for tooth decay disease. It is a disease because it is a spreadable bacterial process caused by acids dissolving the mineral content of tooth structure.

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