Survival of silver diamine fluoride among patients treated in community dental clinics: a naturalistic study

Abstract Background Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a minimally-invasive preventive service used in the U.S. to avert and arrest caries since 2014. No studies document survival outcomes based real world delivery. We analyzed 12-month of SDF applied independently or concurrently with other restorative procedures among population receiving community dental care. Methods data on applications from de-identified claims Oregon Health Plan patients served by Advantage Dental 2016, who had been seen 2015 (patient n = 2269; teeth 7787). compared rates alone, sedative filling, same-day restoration. Failure was defined as restoration extraction tooth 7 365 days after initial application. Survival patient returning 180 more application whose did not have extraction. Differences were assessed through Wilcoxon equality survivor function tests log-rank compare failure rates, Cox Proportional Hazards models assess factors associated SDF, Kaplan–Meier estimate calculate probability over time. Results alone an overall rate 76%. placed filling 50% 84% respectively, likely reflecting treatment intent. survived exceptionally well primary cuspids, permanent molars, bicuspids aged 10 20 years, modest variation across risk assessment categories. A single annual successful 75% cases. Among failures dentition, than two-thirds received minor Conclusion minimally invasive non-aerosolizing option that prevented non-cavitated lesions arrested early decay dentistry when procedures. Professional organizations, policy makers, providers, payors should broaden optional use informing clinical guidelines, reimbursement policies, decisions. Future research address clinical, social, delivery, workforce, economic using diverse population-based samples, mechanisms underlying success prevention potential.