Silver diamine fluoride with sodium fluoride varnish versus silver diamine fluoride in arresting early childhood caries: a 6-months follow up of a randomized field trial

BACKGROUND

Early childhood caries (ECC) is the most prevalent chronic health problem in young children, and it can be arrested using professionally applied fluoride such as Sodium fluoride (NaF) varnish and Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF). This trial compared two interventions to arrest ECC lesions: 38% SDF combined with 5% NaF varnish versus 38% SDF and assessed whether the arrest rate was affected by baseline lesion severity measured by ICDAS.

METHODS

Children aged ≤ 4 years from 4 nurseries in a rural area in Alexandria, Egypt joined the study in March 2022. They were included if they had at least one active carious lesion with ICDAS codes ≥ 3. They were randomized to receive either 38% SDF with 5% NaF varnish or 38% SDF alone. In both groups, the agents were applied at baseline and after 6 months on the caries lesions. NaF was additionally applied on all teeth in the oral cavity, and it was also applied after three months. The primary outcome was lesion arrest status after six months. Parents' satisfaction with their children's appearance was the secondary outcome. Pearson Chi-Square test was used for bivariate comparison and multi-level multiple logistic regression was used to assess the effect of the intervention on caries arrest controlling for confounders. The interaction between the intervention and baseline lesion severity (categorized into moderate and severe lesions) was assessed and the p value was calculated.

RESULTS

The study included 1606 lesions in 220 children, median (IQR) age = 48(9) months. The percentages of arrested lesions after the application of SDF + NaF and SDF only were 77.7% and 73.2% (p = 0.035). In multivariable analysis, SDF + NaF had significantly greater caries arrest effect than SDF alone (AOR = 2.12, p = 0.03) with significant difference (p = 0.03) between moderate (AOR = 4.10, p = 0.005) and advanced (AOR = 1.92, p = 0.08) lesions. Most parents were satisfied with their children's appearance with no significant difference between groups (SDF + NaF = 84.5%, SDF = 78.18%, p = 0.23).

CONCLUSION

SDF + NaF had a higher arrest rate than SDF alone and this difference was significant in moderate but not advanced lesions. The findings have implications for the non-invasive management of ECC.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

This trial was registered in the clinicaltrials.gov registry (#NCT05642494).

Enhanced effectiveness of silver diamine fluoride application with light curing on natural dentin carious lesions: an in vitro study

This study aimed to compare the mean mineral density difference (mMDD) and surface morphology of 10- and 60-s silver diamine fluoride (SDF)-applied dentin carious lesions and to study the effect of an additional 20-s light curing (LC) on SDF-treated teeth. Forty primary molar blocks with natural dentin carious lesions were measured for baseline lesion depth and mineral density using Image-Pro Plus software. The samples were randomly distributed into 4 groups; 38% SDF applied for 1) 10-s (10SDF), 2) 60-s (60SDF), 3) 10-s + LC (10SDF + LC), 4) 60-s + LC (60SDF + LC) and an additional control group to assess the outcome of pH-cycling only. Then all the groups underwent a 7-d bacterial pH-cycling. The dentin carious lesions' mMDD was determined by digital subtraction radiographic analysis. The surface morphology and elemental profile were assessed by scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. The mMDD of the dentin lesions was analyzed using two-way ANOVA, generalized linear models analysis. Light curing was the only factor that affected the mMDD (p = 0.007). The mMDD in the 10SDF + LC and 60SDF + LC groups were significantly higher than those without light curing (p = 0.041 and 0.041, respectively). The 60SDF + LC group demonstrated a significantly higher mMDD than the 10SDF group (p = 0.010), while that in the 10SDF + LC group was similar to the 60SDF group (p = 1.00). Scanning electron microscopy revealed denser mineral content layers, which were likely silver and chloride, in the 10SDF + LC and 60SDF + LC groups than in the 10SDF and 60SDF groups, respectively. In conclusion, shortened application time with light curing enhanced SDF remineralization similarly to the conventional method.

Attenuation of near-ultraviolet, visible and near-infrared light in sound and carious human enamel and dentin

Objectives

This in vitro study aimed to investigate the optical attenuation of light at 405, 660 and 780 nm sent through sound and carious human enamel and dentin, including respective individual caries zones, as well as microscopically sound-appearing tissue close to a carious lesion.

Materials and methods

Collimated light transmission through sections of 1000–125-µm thickness was measured and used to calculate the attenuation coefficient (AC). The data were statistically analysed with a MANOVA and Tukey’s HSD. Precise definition of measurement points enabled separate analysis within the microstructure of lesions: the outer and inner halves of enamel (D1, D2), the translucent zone (TZ) within dentin lesions and its adjacent layers, the enamel side of the translucent zone (ESTZ) and the pulpal side of the translucent zone (PSTZ).

Results

The TZ could be distinguished from its adjacent layers and from caries-free dentin at 125 µm. Sound-appearing dentin close to caries lesions significantly differed from caries-free dentin at 125 µm. While sound and carious enamel exhibited a significant difference (p < 0.05), this result was not found for D1 and D2 enamel lesions (p > 0.05). At 405 nm, no difference was found between sound and carious dentin (p > 0.05).

Conclusions

Light optical means enable the distinction between sound and carious tissue and to identify the microstructure of dentin caries partially as well as the presence of tertiary dentin formation. Information on sample thickness is indispensable when interpreting the AC.

Clinical relevance

Non-ionising light sources may be suitable to detect lesion progression and tertiary dentin.

Microbiological and SEM assessment of atraumatic restorative treatment in adult dentition

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the practicability of atraumatic restorative treatment (ART) in adults in terms of marginal adaptation of restorations and microbiological changes in residual carious dentin.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The occlusal dentin caries of 25 permanent molar teeth were removed with hand instruments. The total counts of bacteria (TCB) and the facultative anaerobic bacteria (FAB), mutans streptococci (MS), and Lactobacillus spp. (LB) counts in the affected dentin were evaluated quantitatively. The weights of the samples were measured with an electronic balance (Shimadzu, Type AX200, Japan). The cavities were restored with glass ionomer cement (Ketac^TM Molar Easymix, ESPE Dental AG, Seefeld, Germany). Twenty replicas of randomly selected ART restorations were prepared and marginal adaptation was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). After 6 months, the same protocols were repeated. Data were analyzed with paired sample t-tests, Wilcoxon t-tests, Pearson and Spearman correlations, and chi-square tests (p<0.05).

RESULTS

In the sixth month, restoration loss and pulpitis were not observed. The mean weight of samples removed from the cavity floor was less than the baseline (0.014±0.009 and 0.023±0.013 g, respectively) (p<0.01), and the counts of total bacteria, FAB, MS, and LB significantly decreased compared to baseline (p<0.01). The frequency of marginal gaps was increased (p< 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

ART showed that the counts of microorganisms decreased after 6 months although the marginal gap rates of restorations increased.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

ART can be a reliable treatment approach in adults for 6 months due to the decrease in microorganism counts, although gaps exist.

Polymer-Induced Liquid Precursor (PILP) remineralization of artificial and natural dentin carious lesions evaluated by nanoindentation and microcomputed tomography

OBJECTIVES

The study evaluates the efficacy to remineralize artificial and natural dentin lesions through restorative dental procedures that include the Polymer-Induced Liquid Precursor (PILP) method comprising polyaspartic acid (pAsp).

METHODS

Novel ionomeric cement compositions based on bioglass 45S5 and pAsp mixtures, as well as conditioning solutions (conditioner) containing 5 mg/mL pAsp, were developed and tested on demineralized dentin blocks (3-4 mm thick) on shallow and deep lesions with the thickness of 140 μm ± 50 and 700 μm ± 50, respectively. In the first treatment group, 20 μL of conditioner was applied to demineralized shallow (n = 3) and deep (n = 3) lesion specimens for 20 s before restoration with glass ionomer cement (RMGIC). For the PILP cement treatment group, cement was applied onto the wet surface of the demineralized specimen for both shallow (n = 3) and deep (n = 3) artificial lesions after the application of the conditioner and before the final restoration. Sample groups were compared to RMGIC restoration, for both shallow and deep lesions (n = 3 each) and treatments in PILP-solution (n = 3 for deep lesions) without restoration for 4 weeks. All of the restored specimens were immersed in simulated body fluid (SBF) solution for 2 weeks and 4 weeks for shallow and deep lesions respectively to allow for remineralization. The artificial lesion specimens were evaluated for changes in the nanomechanical profile (E-modulus and hardness) using nanoindentation. Shallow lesions were analyzed by SEM under vacuum for changes in morphology caused by PILP treatments. Also, a pilot study on human third molars with moderate lesions in dentin (n = 3) was initiated to test the efficacy of treatments in natural lesions based on mineral densities using microcomputed tomography (μCT) at 0, 1, and 3 months.

RESULTS

This study showed that functional remineralization of artificial lesions using PILP-releasing restoratives occurred, indicated by an increase of the elastic modulus in shallow lesions and in the middle zone of deep artificial lesions. The mechanical improvement was significant when compared to RMGIC restoration without pAsp (P < 0.05). Nonetheless, recovery across artificial lesions was most significant when specimens were immersed into PILP-solution with restorative (P < 0.01). Furthermore, natural lesions increased in mineral volume content to a higher degree when the restorative treatment included the PILP-method (P < 0.05). However, none of the natural lesions recovered to full mineral degree regardless of the treatments.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE/CONCLUSION

These findings indicate the benefit of PILP applications in the functional repair of dentin caries and illustrate the challenge to integrate the PILP-method into a restorative approach in minimally invasive dental procedures.

How to Intervene in the Caries Process: Dentin Caries in Primary Teeth

For an ORCA/EFCD consensus, this review systematically assessed available evidence regarding interventions performed and materials used to manage dentin carious lesions in primary teeth. A search for systematic reviews (SRs) and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) with a follow-up of at least 12 months after intervention was performed in PubMed, LILACS, BBO, and the Cochrane Library. The risk of bias tool from the Cochrane Collaboration and the PRISMA Statement were used for assessment of the included studies. From 101 screened articles, 2 SRs and 5 RCTs, which assessed the effectiveness of interventions in terms of pulp vitality and success of restoration, and 10 SRs and 1 RCT assessing the success of restorative materials were included. For treatments involving no carious tissue removal, the Hall technique showed lower treatment failure for approximal carious lesions compared to complete caries removal (CCR) and filling. For the treatment of deep carious lesions, techniques involving selective caries removal (SCR) showed a reduction in the incidence of pulp exposure. However, the benefit of SCR over CCR in terms of pulp symptoms or restoration success/failure was not confirmed. Regarding restorative materials, preformed metal crowns (PMCs) used to restore multisurface lesions showed the highest success rates compared to other restorative materials (amalgam, composite resin, glass ionomer cement, and compomer), and in the long term (12-48 months) these were also less likely to fail. There is limited evidence supporting the use of PMCs to restore carious lesions with single cavities. Among nonrestorative options, silver diammine fluoride was significantly more effective in arresting caries than other treatments for treating active carious lesions of different depths. Considerable heterogeneity and bias risk were observed in the included studies. Although heterogeneity observed among the studies was substantial, the trends were similar. In conclusion, less invasive caries approaches involving selective or no caries removal seem advantageous in comparison to CCR for patients presenting with vital, symptomless, carious dentin lesions in primary teeth. There is evidence in favor of PMCs for restoring multisurface carious lesions in primary molars.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) used in childhood caries management has potent antifungal activity against oral Candida species

Background

The microbiome of Severe-Early Childhood Caries (S-ECC), is characterized by an ecosystem comprising bacterial and fungal species, with a predominance of Candida species. Hence, an anti-cariogen effective against both bacteria and fungi would be valuable in the management of S-ECC.

Here we evaluate the antifungal effect of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) against 35-clinical yeast isolates (Ten-each of C. albicans, C. krusei, C. tropicalis and five C. glabrata strains) from dentinal caries-lesions from S-ECC.

Results

Disc-diffusion and time-kill assays as well as MIC₅₀ and MIC₉₀ evaluations against therapeutic concentrations confirmed the broad-spectrum anti-candidal potency of SDF. Ultrastructural images revealed morphologic aberrations of yeast-cell walls on exposure to SDF. All C. krusei and C. glabrata isolates were significantly more sensitive to SDF, relative to the standard antifungal fluconazole. Further, SDF appears to effectively abrogate filamentation of C. albicans even at very low concentrations.

Conclusions

Our data, for the first time, elucidate the antifungal potency of SDF, in addition to its known antibacterial activity, in the management of S-ECC.

Effects of Dentifrices Differing in Fluoride Content on Remineralization Characteristics of Dentin in vitro

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to compare the caries preventive effect of highly fluoridated dentifrices and gels on sound dentin as well as on artificial dentin caries-like lesions.

METHODS

Bovine dentin specimens (n = 240), with 2 different surfaces each (1 sound surface [sound treatment (ST)] and one caries lesion [demineralized treatment (DT)]), were prepared and randomly allocated to one highly (6 × 120 min demineralization/day [H]) and one lowly cariogenic (6 × 60 min demineralization/day [L]) pH-cycling model. Treatments during pH-cycling (28 days) were: brushing 2×/day with: 0 ppm F [H0/L0], 1,450 ppm F [H1,450/L1,450], 2,800 ppm F [H2,800/L2,800], 5,000 ppm F [H5,000/L5,000], 5,000 ppm F plus TCP [H5,000+TCP/L5,000+TCP], and 12,500 ppm F [H12,500/L12,500] containing dentifrices/gels. Dentifrice/gel slurries were prepared with deionized water (1:2 wt/wt). Differences in integrated mineral loss (∆∆Z) and ∆ lesion depth were calculated between values before and after pH-cycling using transversal microradiography.

RESULTS

The correlation between ΔΔZDT and F- was strong for the highly (rH = 0.691; p < 0.001) and moderate (rL = 0.500; p < 0.001) for the lowly cariogenic model, indicating a fluoride dose-response for both. Significant differences for ΔΔZDT and ΔΔZST could be found between H0, H1,450, H5,000, and H12,500 as well as L0, L5,000, and L125,000 (p ≤ 0.046; analysis of covariance [ANCOVA]). Except for 0 ppm F-, no significant difference in ΔΔZST and ΔΔZDT could be found between the highly and lowly cariogenic model (p ≥ 0.056; ANCOVA).

CONCLUSION

For both pH-cycling conditions a dose-response for fluoride could be revealed. For elderly people with exposed root surfaces, the use of gels containing 12,500 ppm F instead of regularly (1,450 ppm F) or highly (5,000 ppm F) fluoridated dentifrices should be further investigated, as it offered higher caries-preventive effects in vitro.

Can red fluorescence be useful in diagnostic decision making of residual dentin caries?

INTRODUCTION

A diagnosis based on traditional methods can differ under the same tooth condition. Additional diagnostic tools are required to overcome this limitation. QLF technology is a viable method for detecting residual caries and is increasingly being used to detect dentin-level residual caries. In this study we used the Qraypen (AIOBIO, Seoul, Korea) to investigate the usefulness of the QLF technology for diagnosing controversial cases. CASE 1: A 31-year-old man presented with pain in the left mandibular first molar. The old restoration and severe dental caries were removed as much as possible using traditional visual and tactile senses. The area of treatment was photographed using the Qraypen. We concluded that endodontic treatment was preferable based on the Qraypen findings combined with diagnostic information. CASE 2: A 67-year-old man presented with discomfort in the first molar on the right mandible. Most of the existing restoration and carious debris were removed. Black discoloration was observed around and within the crack line, but with no red fluorescence. Based on the results of these examinations we decided that a minimally invasive dentistry approach was appropriate.

CONCLUSION

Using QLF technology is more objective and accurate than other methods of determining the removal end point and detecting healthy marginal dentin for successful restoration.

Evaluation of occlusal caries detection and assessment by visual inspection, digital bitewing radiography and near-infrared light transillumination

AIM

This study compared the diagnostic outcomes of visual inspection (VI), digital bitewing radiography (BWR), and near-infrared light transillumination (NIR-LT, DIAGNOcam, KaVo, Biberach, Germany) for occlusal caries detection and assessment of posterior teeth.

PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS

This study included 203 patients (mean age 23.0 years). All individuals received a meticulous VI. Additionally, BWR and NIR-LT images were collected. All BWR and NIR-LT images were blindly evaluated for the presence of enamel caries lesions (ECLs) and dentin caries lesions (DCLs). The descriptive statistical analyses included calculation of frequencies, cross tabulations, and pairwise comparisons using Pearson chi-square tests.

RESULTS

The majority of ECLs/DCLs were detected by VI in this low-risk adult population. The additional diagnostic outcomes in terms of ECLs/DCLs amounted to 5.0% (BWR) and 6.8% (NIR-LT). The combined usage of VI/NIR-LT or VI/BWR identified 95.7 and 94.4% of all ECLs/DCLs on occlusal surfaces, respectively.

CONCLUSION

This comparative diagnostic study showed that VI detected the majority of occlusal caries lesions. Both additional methods showed limited benefits. Due to the valuable features of NIR-LT, i.e., X-ray freeness and clinical practicability, this method might be preferred over X-ray-based methods. Nevertheless, BWRs should be prescribed in clinical situations where insufficient fillings or multiple (deep) caries lesions are diagnosed or where there is a need to assess the caries extension in relation to the pulp.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

VI has to be understood as caries detection method of choice on occlusal surfaces in low-risk adult population which may help to avoid multiple diagnostic testing, overdiagnosis, and overtreatment.

Optical diagnosis of dentin caries lesions using quantitative light-induced fluorescence technology

The precise diagnosis of dental caries and determination of their severity are very important when planning for treatment. Low diagnostic power of traditional methods such as radiographic and visual-tactile examinations could increase in the ambiguity of clinical decision about some borderline lesions. The aim of this study was to identify the extent of dentin lesions by using Qraypen (AIOBIO, Seoul, Korea), a device that utilizes QLF technology, at the dentin level through representative 2 cases in this study. In the first case of chronic and deep dentin caries, the fluorescence loss and strong red fluorescence were still detected from the lesions when observed by Qraypen after removing the suspicious lesions using conventional methods. It was possible to gradually remove red fluorescent area until it reached an almost invisible state. In addition, from the second case of acute and secondary caries, it was difficult to detect the crack using conventional diagnostic methods. Based on the result of the Qraypen examination, we could verify the presence of the crack and its severity which had progressed into the pulp as a distinct red fluorescence. In conclusion, the QLF technology could be applied not only to detect dentin caries but also to provide evidences for determining extent of caries removal non-invasively and objectively.

Three-dimensional diagnosis of dentin caries beneath composite restorations using swept-source optical coherence tomography

The aims of this study were to assess the diagnostic accuracy of swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT) for detection of caries beneath composite restorations and to compare the results with those obtained by radiography. Flat dentin surfaces with and without natural caries were bonded with 1- or 2-mm thick composite restorations. SS-OCT scanning was performed over the composite restorations to construct three-dimensional (3D) images of the resin-dentin interface. Images were chosen from the 3D constructions to detect caries beneath the restorations. The sensitivity, specificity, false positive and negative predictive values for caries detection, and Az values from receiver-operating characteristic analysis were calculated and compared with those of digital dental radiography at a significance level of α=0.05. Intraexaminer and interexaminer reproducibility was compared between SSOCT and radiography. SS-OCT could detect caries, which appeared as a bright zone beneath composite up to 2-mm thick. SS-OCT provided greater diagnostic accuracy than radiography.

Pen-type laser fluorescence device versus bitewing radiographs for caries detection on approximal surfaces

Background

The accurate detection of approximal caries is generally difficult. The aim of this study was to assess the ability of the pen-type laser fluorescence device (LF pen) to detect approximal carious lesions in comparison to bitewing radiographs (BW).

Methods

Three hundred forty-one tooth surfaces were diagnosed in 20 patients with an average age of 26.70 (±2.82) years. Each test tooth was sequentially assessed by a single calibrated examiner using visual inspection, BW, and the LF pen. Radiographs were used as the gold standard to calculate an appropriate cut-off.

Results

Sensitivity, specificity and accuracy values for cut-off limits of 15, measured by the LF pen were compared using the chi² test (McNemar test). For approximal caries at D3 level, the highest values of specificity and sensitivity were observed for the LF pen at a cut-off value of 15 (96.8 and 83.0 %) and for visual inspection (99.3 and 4.3 %).

Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, dentin caries on approximal surfaces could be detected equally well by the LF pen as by the bitewing radiographs. Therefore, the LF pen can be recommended as an alternative to radiographs for the detection of approximal caries in a regular dental practice setting.

Trial registration

DRKS00004817 on DRKS on 12^th March 2013.

In vivo validation of near-infrared light transillumination for interproximal dentin caries detection

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this clinical study were to investigate the diagnostic accuracy of near-infrared light transillumination (NILT) as a novel X-ray-free method for proximal dentin caries detection and to compare this method to established diagnostic methods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 127 interproximal dentin caries lesions without any cavity within visible dentin in posterior teeth from 85 consecutively selected patients were included. Visual and radiographic diagnoses and laser fluorescence measurements were available. NILT images were obtained, and a dentin lesion was predicted if a demineralisation involved the enamel-dentin junction (NILT-EDJ) or a shadow in dentin was detectable (NILT-dentin). Included lesions were opened and validated (reference standard). The statistical analyses included descriptive analyses and calculations of sensitivity, specificity and Az values.

RESULTS

The diagnostic accuracy with respect to the reference standard was 1.6% for visual inspection, 66.7% for laser fluorescence, 96.1% for digital radiography, 29.1% for NILT-dentin and 99.2% for NILT-EDJ. Bitewings (Az 0.984) and NILT-EDJ (Az 0.992) performed equally.

CONCLUSION

Given the lack of true negatives in the study, the diagnostic accuracy of NILT achieved the same level as bitewings for the detection of proximal dentin caries.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE

This study might indicate that NILT could reduce the usage of bitewings.

Comparison of Proximal Caries Detection in Primary Teeth between Laser Fluorescence and Bitewing Radiography: An in vivo Study

Background and objective: Proximal caries detection is of great importance because of the rapid rate of caries progression and the difficulty in determining the absence or presence of a lesion in primary dentition. Although, various methods for caries diagnosis offer good diagnostic performances, they provide varying sensitivities for detecting proximal carious lesions. The objective of this study was to compare, in vivo, the accuracy of DIAGNOdent and bitewing radiography at detecting proximal caries in primary teeth.

Materials and methods: One Hundred and one primary maxillary and mandibular molars without obvious cavities of children between the age group of 3 and 10 years were included. The teeth were first subjected to DIAGNOdent examination followed by bitewing radiography. The specificity and sensitivity of the systems were calculated.

Results: At the dentin caries (D3) level, the sensitivity of DIAGNOdent and bitewing radiography was 78.5%; at the enamel caries (D1 and D2) level it was 39.12% and for the sound teeth (D0) it was found to be 76.52%. A strong association was observed between the DIAGNOdent and the bitewing radiograph (p < 0.001).

Conclusion: The DIAGNOdent can be used as an alternative diagnostic method in detection of proximal caries in primary teeth. But when seen at the each caries level, the DIAGNOdent is more accurate at the D0 and D3 threshold.

How to cite this article: Mepparambath R, Bhat SS, Hegde SK, Anjana G, Sunil M, Mathew S. Comparison of Proximal Caries Detection in Primary Teeth between Laser Fluorescence and Bitewing Radiography: An in vivo Study. Int J Clin Pediatr Dent 2014;7(3):163-167.