Effect of application time and concentration of silver diamine fluoride on the enamel remineralization

BACKGROUND: Silver diamine fluoride has attracted attention because of its clinical success in arresting dental caries. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different application times and concentrations of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) on deciduous tooth enamel remineralization. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Blocks of deciduous tooth enamel were categorized into six groups of 11 each: 2 control groups: intact enamel, and demineralized enamel; 38% SDF and 30% SDF which were subdivided according to application times (1 and 3 min). The microhardness of samples was determined, and all groups except the intact enamel group were subjected to pH cycling to produce initial carious lesions. The 38% and 30% SDF solutions were applied to the enamel for 1 or 3 min. After pH cycling and SDF treatments, the microhardness was again determined. Samples were sectioned to evaluate the cross-sectional microhardness. Furthermore, internal porosity of the samples was examined using micro-CT. Data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s test, and linear regression analyses were performed. RESULTS: There was no difference in enamel remineralization based on surface and cross-sectional microhardness. The 30% SDF solution applied for 3 min promoted significantly less pores than the other groups. CONCLUSIONS: The 1-min application time promoted enamel remineralization regardless of the SDF concentration (30% or 38%). Key words:Cariostatic agents, dental caries, primary tooth, tooth remineralization.