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Effectiveness of Silver Diamine Fluoride as a Treatment for Caries in Comparison to Traditional Restorative Techniques

Phase 3
Completed
Conditions
Caries
Interventions
Device: Silver Diamine Fluoride
Procedure: Conventional Caries Management
Registration Number
NCT02601833
Lead Sponsor
University of Michigan
Brief Summary

The purpose of this study is to compare standard fillings and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for treatment of cavities in baby teeth. The investigators will compare the effectiveness of stopping the cavity, cost of the treatments and the opinions of the families and the dental providers.

Detailed Description

To determine the effectiveness of the application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) in comparison to conventional restorative treatments in International Caries Detection and Assessment System criteria (ICDAS) 5 and 6, one and two surface carious lesions in primary molars which will be assessed based on major and minor failure criteria when followed for one year. Additionally, parents'/children's and providers' perceptions will be assessed as well as the cost of both regimens, to include both chair time spent and materials' costs.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
98
Inclusion Criteria
  • Presence of at least one active (soft) cavitated carious lesions in the primary dentition, extending into dentin (ICDAS 5 or 6)
  • The selected tooth must have a one or two surface lesion (more than 1/3 of the crown of the tooth must be remaining) and must allow for direct application of SDF
  • Study teeth will not have any spontaneous or elicited pain due to caries, tooth mobility, or signs of pulpal infection
  • Selected primary teeth must have an anticipated exfoliation date greater than 12 months away
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Exclusion Criteria
  • Hereditary developmental defects such as Amelogenesis Imperfecta and Dentinogenesis Imperfecta
  • Severe medical conditions that do not allow the child to be managed in the clinic
  • Known allergy /sensitivity to dental materials being used, including SDF
  • Inability of the child to cooperate for treatment, recall examinations, or periapical radiographs
  • Wards of the State, for consenting reasons
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Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
Silver Diamine FluorideSilver Diamine FluorideThis arm will receive Silver Diamine Fluoride applied to their carious lesion, in lieu of restoration placement, with the goal of arresting caries.
Conventional Caries ManagementConventional Caries ManagementRestorative dental care according to American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry guidelines. This treatment typically includes administration of local anesthesia, placement of rubber dam, caries removal with rotary and hand instruments, and placement of a final restoration.
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Caries Arrest of Teeth in the SDF Group Measured by Dentin Color (Yellow, Brown, Black)12 Months

Color of the cavity at the end of the trial

Signs of Pulpal Pathology (Lesion Reaching the Pulp Requiring Pulpular Treatment-pulpotomy and/or Pulpectomy-, Reversible Pulpitis, Irreversible Pulpitis, Abscess)12 Months

Signs of pulpal pathology are treatment failures. Treatment failures were assessed throughout the 12 month duration of the trial, and children with treatment failures were removed from the trial for further clinical treatment.

Caries Arrest of Teeth in the SDF Group Measured by Change in Size12 Months

Number of participants in the SDF arm that had an increase in lesion size at any point in the 12 months of the trial, as this is a treatment failure.

Treatment failures were assessed throughout the 12 month duration of the trial, and children with treatment failures were then removed from the trial for further clinical treatment.

Restoration Integrity for Teeth in Control Group (Secondary Caries, Lost Restoration, Restoration Needing Repair)12 Months

Secondary caries, lost restorations, or restorations needing repair are treatment failures.

Treatment failures were assessed throughout the 12 month duration of the trial, and children with treatment failures were removed from the trial for further clinical treatment.

Caries Arrest of Teeth in the SDF Group Measured by Dentin Texture (Soft, Hard)12 Months

Texture of the cavity's dentin of soft means the cavity is still an active infection. If the cavity is hard, the cavity is no longer an active infection (has been arrested).

Please note dentin texture cannot be assessed for the Conventional group as the dentin is no longer accessible following baseline treatment.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Number of Providers Who Find Treatment With SDF More Favorable in Preference of Treatment Modality (More Preferable, no Preference, Less Preferable)Baseline
Costs of Treatment (Dollars)Baseline

Cost of one application of SDF and one 1-2 surface conventional restoration. Cost was calculated by taking the average Medicaid reimbursement across all U.S. states.

Number of Providers Who Find Treatment With SDF More Favorable in Time for Treatment (More, Same, Less)Baseline

Data collected at baseline only.

Time of Treatment Procedures (Duration of Time in Minutes)Baseline
Parent Assessment of Appearance of Child's Teeth12 Months

Parents were asked "Are you concerned with the appearance of your child's teeth?"

Parent Assessment of Treatment Provided12 Months

Parents were asked "If your child had another cavity, would you be willing to have that tooth treated with the same treatment option provided to your child in this study?"

Child Assessment of Experience During Dental Visit (Didn't Hurt, Hurt a Little, Hurt a Lot)12 Months
Number of Providers Who Find Treatment With SDF More Favorable in Ease of Treatment (Easier, Harder, Same Difficulty)Baseline
Child Assessment of Appearance of Teeth (Very Happy, Not Happy or Sad, Very Sad)12 Months

Trial Locations

Locations (2)

Mott Children's Health Center

🇺🇸

Flint, Michigan, United States

University of Michigan School of Dentistry

🇺🇸

Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States

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