The Effect of Silver Diamine Fluoride on the Mechanical Properties ofRestorative Materials

The Effect of Silver Diamine Fluoride on the Mechanical Properties of Restorative Materials The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of applying silver diamine fluoride, which has recently gained popularity in various countries, to naturally carious demineralized dentin on the microshear bond strength of resin composite restorations. A total of 35 carious human primary molar teeth were collected for the study. Primary teeth with proximal caries, at least two intact surfaces, and dentin caries extending more than halfway between the enamel-dentin junction and the pulp chamber were selected. These teeth were then categorized according to a specific range of values using the DiagnodentPEN device. The collected teeth were stored in a formalin solution for one week for disinfection. The teeth were then sectioned buccally and lingually into two symmetrical halves using a dental diamond disc and randomly divided into two groups. The test group was treated with 38% silver diamine fluoride. The teeth in the control group were washed with distilled water only. These samples were stored at 37°C for two weeks. Subsequently, flat dentin surfaces suitable for composite bonding were prepared in the cavitation area, ensuring that the darkened dentin layer remained intact. These surfaces were then polished using 600-grit sandpaper. Starch tubes were fixed onto the prepared flat surfaces, and composite restorations were placed. After being stored in a humid environment for one day, the starch tubes were removed. Subsequently, each sample underwent thermocycling for 1,000 cycles to simulate aging. The aged samples were placed in a microshear testing device, and force was applied until failure occurred, with the recorded values noted. The failure mode of the fractured restorations was evaluated using a stereomicroscope. The application of 38% silver diamine fluoride to demineralized dentin significantly increased the bond strength of resin composite restorations to dentin (p<0.05). The most common type of failure observed in both groups was adhesive failure. Keywords: silver diamine fluoride, diagnodent, microshear bond strength, resin composite