Silver diamine fluoride: An operative dentistry perspective

Abstract

The rationale for much of operative dental therapy is to address local tooth destruction due to the dental caries process. While mechanical tooth preparation and restorative biomaterial concepts continue to evolve, attention should also be paid to the biological challenges of the caries disease. Silver diamine fluoride is a therapeutic agent that shows great promise for the operative dentist due to its ability to stimulate arrest of active caries and prevent new lesions. Clinical and laboratory studies continue to demonstrate silver diamine fluoride’s efficacy in treating dental caries. This practical review summarizes the current evidence for its use in operative dentistry.