.jpg)
Restorative
Alexandra Fuller, DDS (she/her/hers)
Pediatric Dental Resident
University of Florida-Naples
University of Florida- Naples
Fort Myers, Florida, United States
Maria Davila, DDS, MPH, DrPH
University of Florida- Naples, FL
Lauren Governale, DMD
Clinical Associate Professor & Clinical Program Director
University of Florida- Naples, FL
Naples, Florida, United States
Marcio Guelmann, DDS
Chair and Program Director
University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, United States
Purpose: Early childhood caries (ECC) is a major health problem in the United States. ECC-affected children often require advanced behavior guidance techniques for restorative care due to age and cooperation ability. Long waiting lists and limited operating room time availability for dental care in hospitals are apparent across the US. Interim application of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) may delay or arrest caries progression. This study aimed to determine the impact of SDF application on patients on the OR waitlist and the severity of treatment provided compared to the initially planned treatment.
Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of records of patients aged 3 to 10 years seen at the Naples Children and Education Foundation Dental Center in Naples, Florida during the fiscal year 2021. Patients included must have previously diagnosed interproximal posterior lesions seen radiographically, and deemed restorable before their comprehensive care in the operating room, treated with or without SDF.
Results: There was a statistically significant difference between SDF placed and extraction (p < 0.049).
No significant difference was observed between placing SDF and
having pulp therapy (p>0.54).
Conclusion: The results show that application of SDF was deemed effective in preventing extractions (94.1%) for patients waiting for comprehensive restorative treatment in the operating room, thus leading to less severe treatment. SDF did not play a role in preventing pulp therapy in restorable teeth.