The use of silver diamine fluoride in arresting dental caries: an integrative review

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Dental caries is still a pathology present in most of the world population. Cariostatics made of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) are known due to the capacity of this material in the control of carious lesions’ progression, contributing to the adequacy of children oral environment. OBJECTIVE: To verify the study’s evidence level that indicate the SDF capacity in control and/or prevent children carious lesions, moreover identify others clinical indications of the material. METHODS AND MATERIALS: This integrative review included the following steps idealized by Cooper (1982): problem formulation, data gathering from selected studies, evaluation of data collected, analysis and interpretation of data collected and public presentation. RESULTS: Following the inclusion and exclusion criteria adopted, 28 publications were selected.  Among those that reported the efficacy of the substance for control and/or prevention of dental caries in children, two were systematic reviews and three were randomized clinical trials.  The main clinical indication for the SDF was found in cariology, following in endodontic and for dentin hyper sensibility treatment. CONCLUSION: There are few studies with high evidence level that report the SDF efficacy in control and/or prevention carious lesions in children. Other indications for the material were found in prevention of root caries in the elderly, in endodontics and in the treatment of dentine hyper sensitivity, also with few studies with high evidence level.