Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has emerged as a revolutionary, non-invasive solution for arresting dental caries. Its antibacterial properties and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive option in pediatric dentistry. However, the most significant drawback is the unaesthetic black staining it leaves on treated teeth. This study explored how two different restorative materials—Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) and Giomer—can effectively mask this discoloration.
Introduction
Dental caries remains one of the most common chronic diseases affecting children worldwide. Traditional methods of caries treatment often involve invasive procedures that can be traumatic for young patients. SDF offers a less invasive alternative by arresting active carious lesions without requiring extensive drilling or sedation.
Despite its benefits, SDF’s application results in unsightly black stains on the treated areas, which can be a concern for both parents and children. To address this issue, this study investigated whether GIC or Giomer is more effective at masking these stains on extracted deciduous molars.
Materials and Methods
Sample Selection
Twenty carious primary molars indicated for extraction were selected for this study. These samples were divided into two groups:
- Group 1: Restored with Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC)
- Group 2: Restored with Giomer
Procedure
After applying SDF to all samples, restorations were performed using either GIC or Giomer based on their group allocation. A spectrophotometer was employed to measure color changes before and after restoration to assess each material’s ability to mask discoloration.
Statistical Analysis
The data collected from spectrophotometric measurements were subjected to statistical analysis, with significance assessed at a p-value less than 0.05.
Results
The study found a statistically significant difference (p=0.001) between the two groups regarding their efficacy in masking SDF-induced discoloration. Both materials showed considerable improvement in aesthetics compared to untreated teeth; however, there were notable differences between them.
Group 1: Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC)
GIC demonstrated considerable ability to mask discoloration caused by SDF application but did not eliminate it. The material’s opacity helped cover some of the black staining but left slight traces visible upon close inspection.
Group 2: Giomer
Giomer outperformed GIC in terms of aesthetic outcomes. The advanced formulation of Giomer provided better color matching with natural tooth enamel, resulting in more effective masking of black stains left by SDF treatment.
Discussion
The findings suggest that both GIC and Giomer can significantly improve the appearance of teeth treated with SDF, making them viable options for pediatric dental restorations where aesthetics are a concern.
- Glass Ionomer Cement: While effective at reducing visible staining, GIC may not be ideal when complete aesthetic restoration is required.
- Giomer: Offers superior aesthetic results due to its enhanced color-matching capabilities and should be considered when cosmetic outcomes are paramount.
Given these insights, dental practitioners should weigh the pros and cons of each material based on individual patient needs and expectations.
Conclusion
This study concludes that both Glass Ionomer Cement (GIC) and Giomer have significant abilities to mask discoloration caused by Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) application on deciduous molars. However, Giomer exhibits superior performance in achieving better aesthetic results compared to GIC. Future research could focus on long-term durability and patient satisfaction related to these restorative materials in clinical settings.
By understanding the strengths and limitations of each material, dental professionals can make more informed decisions about treating young patients with aesthetically acceptable solutions while leveraging the benefits of SDF’s non-invasive approach.
Source: International Journal of Dental Materials
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