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Is a drill-less dental filling possible?
Ryan L Quock1, Shalizeh A Patel, Felipe A Falcao
1Department of Restorative Dentistry and Biomaterials, University of Texas at Houston Dental Branch, 6516 M. D. Anderson Blvd., Ste. 493, Houston, TX 77030, United States. Ryan.Quock@uth.tmc.edu
This study presents a drill-less dental filling method using silver diamine fluoride (38%) to stop cavities. This minimally invasive approach arrests bacterial decay and restores tooth structure, offering an alternative to traditional drilling for dental caries management.
Area of Science:
- Dentistry
- Cariology
- Restorative Dentistry
Background:
- Dental caries involves bacterial acid destruction of tooth structure.
- Traditional treatment uses mechanical excavation (drilling), which can cause patient anxiety.
- Minimally invasive techniques are sought to manage dental caries effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce and describe a drill-less method for managing dental caries.
- To highlight the use of silver diamine fluoride (38%) in arresting caries.
- To present a minimally invasive alternative to conventional cavity preparation.
Main Methods:
- Application of 38% silver diamine fluoride to arrest dental caries.
- Restoration of the arrested lesion with a bonded filling material.
- Focus on achieving an adequate seal at the lesion margins.
Main Results:
- Silver diamine fluoride effectively arrests the progression of dental caries.
- The procedure is minimally invasive, avoiding mechanical excavation.
- Bonded restorations provide a seal, addressing microbial and mechanical aspects of caries.
Conclusions:
- A drill-less approach using silver diamine fluoride (38%) is a viable method for managing dental caries.
- This minimally invasive technique reduces patient stress and anxiety associated with dental drills.
- The combined approach addresses both the bacterial cause and structural damage of caries.
