Improved Esthetics Using Silver Diamine Fluoride in the Management of Early Childhood Caries: A Case Series

Dental caries prevention using an application of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an emerging advanced treatment modality in pediatric dentistry. However, a major drawback of SDF application is the black staining of carious lesions, which limits its clinical use due to esthetic concerns. Improving the esthetic outcome by reducing black staining would significantly enhance the opportunity for the universal use of SDF. This case series comprises three cases demonstrating the clinical success of using potassium iodide (KI) to reduce staining, followed by glass ionomer cement (GIC) restoration in primary molars. Upon 12-month follow-up visits, the treated teeth remained clinically asymptomatic, with esthetically acceptable restoration margins. Additionally, the esthetic results were acceptable to both parents and patients. The significance of utilizing KI and GIC following SDF application lies in their synergistic effect on masking discoloration resulting from SDF treatment while enhancing tooth functionality, thereby meeting patients' esthetic requirements and improving chewing efficiency.