Evaluating the Effectiveness of Light Cured SDF and Its Penetration: An In Vitro Study

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) has demonstrated caries arresting potential for years and is widely accepted as a treatment modality in pediatric dentistry. Many additions and modifications have been made to the manufacture protocol to increase effectiveness of SDF. Currently, no protocol makes mention of light curing SDF. Anecdotal evidence suggest that surfaces exposed to light may result in more active silver precipitation leading practitioners to believe light curing after drying can improve arrest in posterior areas not exposed to natural light, as light-cured surfaces turn dark immediately. Purpose: To evaluate in vitro the effect of light cured SDF on the penetration of silver ions and color change. Methods: 60 non-carious primary molars were inoculated with Streptococcus mutans and treated with SDF. Experimental group was light cured and samples evaluated under scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to determine penetration depth of silver ions. Results: Light cured samples resulted in immediate color change, allowing for chairside education and confirmation of the arresting lesion. SEM analyses saw no significant difference in the penetration of silver ions between light and non-light cured samples. Conclusion:. Light curing SDF does not halter the penetration of silver ions. Immediate color change appears to be the only additive benefit of light cured SDF, which does not have any added benefit.