Postoperative instructions for silver diamine fluoride therapy: A scoping review of current evidence and practice

Ivy Guofang Sun; Duangporn Duangthip; Hollis Haotian Chai; Bella Weijia Luo; Edward Chin Man Lo; Chun Hung Chu

doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105029

Postoperative instructions for silver diamine fluoride therapy: A scoping review of current evidence and practice

J Dent. 2024 Apr 26:145:105029. doi: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105029. Online ahead of print.

Authors

Ivy Guofang Sun¹, Duangporn Duangthip², Hollis Haotian Chai¹, Bella Weijia Luo¹, Edward Chin Man Lo¹, Chun Hung Chu³

Affiliations

¹ Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
² Division of Pediatric Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, United States.
³ Faculty of Dentistry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. Electronic address: chchu@hku.hk.

PMID: 38679132
DOI: 10.1016/j.jdent.2024.105029

Abstract

Objectives: Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has gained popularity in dentistry as an anti-hypersensitive and anti-caries agent. This study aims to review the postoperative instructions for SDF therapy and examine the evidence supporting these instructions in treating dentine hypersensitivity and caries control.

Data and sources: Two independent reviewers searched three electronic databases (EMBASE, PubMed, and Web of Science) to identify clinical studies that used SDF to treat dentine hypersensitivity and dental caries. Additionally, they searched Google Chrome for information from manufacturers, the department of health, national dental organisations, authoritative dental organisations, and universities regarding SDF therapy for these conditions. Data on postoperative instructions were extracted, and their impact on the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity and caries control was investigated.

Study selection: This review included 74 clinical studies, 11 sets of instructions from SDF manufacturers, and six recommendations from national dental organisations, departments of health and universities. Amongst the included records, 50 clinical studies, two manufacturers, and one department of health mentioned postoperative instructions for SDF therapy. The recommendations varied, from suggesting no specific instructions, immediate rinsing, refraining from eating or drinking for 30 to 60 min, and even avoiding brushing until the next day after SDF therapy. Notably, no clinical studies reported the effects of these postoperative instructions on the SDF treatment of dentine hypersensitivity or dental caries.

Conclusions: This scoping review highlights the presence of inconsistent postoperative instructions for SDF therapy in the treatment of dentine hypersensitivity and caries control. Furthermore, there is a lack of evidence supporting the effectiveness of these instructions.

Clinical significance: No evidence supports the postoperative instructions for SDF therapy for managing dentine hypersensitivity and dental caries. Studies are necessary to provide guidance for clinicians using SDF in their clinical practice.

Keywords: Dental caries; Dentine hypersensitivity; Post-treatment instruction; Postoperative instruction; Scoping review; Silver diamine fluoride.