Abstract
OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the efficacy of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) antibacterial solution in penetrating the demineralized areas of enamel. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was considered a group of four extracted teeth (with no color fading, fissures, decay, or demineralization). Each tooth was sectioned in two equal parts, in mesio-distal direction, using a dental handpiece and a special rounded, flat bur. Each specimen was demineralized, for one minute, with 45% orthophosphoric acid, on occlusal and proximal zones. The specimens were then washed and dried with water-air dental syringe. All the probes were inspected with an optical microscope and enamel thickness was digitally measured. Advantage Arrest (Elevate Oral Care, USA), which contains SDF, was applied on the previous demineralized zones. The penetration of the substance was visually inspected with the optical microscope and electronically measured. RESULTS: It was observed an improvement in remineralizing the white spots on enamel surfaces, the optical microscope being able to detect both demineralization and the penetration of SDF through enamel. CONCLUSIONS: Based on our in vitro study, SDF (Advantage Arrest) was capable to induce/increase enamel remineralization, through SDF penetration.