SDF Caries Arrest — NDEB AFK MCQ
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Correct answer: E — To arrest active carious lesions non-invasively, particularly in young children, patients with special needs, or situations where conventional treatment is not feasible
SDF 38% arrests active carious lesions through a dual mechanism: (1) silver ions provide broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity, killing cariogenic bacteria; (2) fluoride promotes remineralisation of demineralised tooth structure. The arrested lesion becomes hard and turns black (from silver precipitation), which is the main cosmetic limitation. SDF is applied topically (one drop per tooth, biannually) and requires no anaesthesia, drilling, or patient cooperation beyond brief access to the tooth surface. It is FDA-cleared and widely used in paediatric, geriatric, and special needs dentistry.
Reference: Dean – McDonald and Avery's Dentistry for the Child and Adolescent, 11th ed., 2021