Frequent use of 38 % silver diamine fluoride (SDF) topically every 6 months can be effective in preventing the decay of root surface lesions and lesions around crowns in elderly, a study in Journal of Dentistry revealed.

Chelsea Mitchell et al. performed a case series to study the arrest of root surface caries lesions in 62 adults (aged ≥55 years) when teeth were treated 38 % SDF topically. The inclusion criterion was that the patient needed to have a minimum of 1 active root caries lesion. The lesions were rinsed and then air-dried, segregated, and thereafter microbrush application of 38 % SDF was done for 2 minutes. At 2 to 3 weeks a re-evaluation of the treated lesions was done. After 6 months, the treatment was done again. Likelihood of dental caries lesion arrest was assessed for root surfaces and crown margins.

As found, 55 patients (44 % female, mean age 79.8) revisited for follow-up. Chances of a lesion arresting with treatment varied from 82.9 to 91.6%. At 18 months, higher arrest rates were observed in root surfaces (91.6 %) as compared to surrounding the crown margins (89.8 %). Seven patients had All furcal lesions (100%) prevented by 6 months.