Effect of silver diamine fluoride on the surface roughness of dental ceramics

Application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) can be a straightforward and efficient way to manage recurrent caries around the margins of crowns. However, its effect on ceramic surfaces is unknown.

The purpose of this in vitro study was to evaluate and compare the effect of SDF, acidulated phosphate fluoride (APF), and distilled water on the surface roughness of dental ceramics.

Forty-five rectangles (10×10×2 mm) each of 5% yttria-stabilized tetragonal zirconia polycrystal (5Y-TZP) zirconia (Zir), lithium disilicate (LDS), overglazed feldspathic porcelain (FO), and polished feldspathic porcelain (FP) were fabricated. The specimens were treated with 38% SDF, 1.23% APF, and distilled water to simulate 3 years of topical applications. The surface roughness (Ra) of each rectangle was measured with a profilometer before and after treatment with the solutions, and the change in Ra (△Ra) was calculated. Scanning electron microscope images were obtained of each treatment group. Multiple comparison of the means among the ceramics and testing solutions was done using 2-way ANOVA followed by the Tukey Honestly Significant test (α=.05).

ANOVA revealed significant differences in the 2 main factors, as well as their interaction (P<.001). The surface roughness of the treated rectangles was significantly dependent on the type of ceramic and the testing solution. The greatest surface roughness increase was seen in the interaction of LDS:APF (△Ra_mean=0.51 ±0.13 μm), closely followed by FO:APF (△Ra_mean=0.49 ±0.20 μm) and FP:APF (△Ra_mean=0.41 ±0.17 μm) (P<.001). SDF increased the surface roughness of LDS, FO, and FP; however, the increase was not significant (△Ra_mean LDS=0.25 ±0.11 μm; △Ra_mean FO=0.17 ±0.16 μm; △Ra_mean FP=.1 ±0.14 μm; P >.118). None of the solutions had any effect on zirconia (P>.977).

SDF is safe to use around zirconia restorations. Long-term and repeated application of SDF on lithium disilicate and feldspathic porcelain must be considered with caution.