Introduction: The choice of enamel early carious lesion best remineralizing agent shows great debate. This study aimed to evaluate the remineralizing effect of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and sodium fluoride (NaF) varnishes on early carious lesions of permanent molars enamel.
Materials and methods: Twenty non-carious permanent molars were divided into two equal groups 1 and 2. A square shape in the center of the buccal surface of enamel (3x3 mm) subjected to the demineralizing solution (sodium carboxy-methylcellulose gel with lactic acid buffer at PH: 4.8) for 4 weeks creating artificial carious lesion (demineralization cycle). Both SDF and NaF varnishes were applied on carious lesions and preserved in formalin (10%) for 4 weeks (remineralization cycle). The teeth were evaluated after each cycle by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and electro-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analysis.
Results: Silver diamine fluoride showed significantly better surface remineralization by SEM images in comparison with NaF varnish. Both materials showed a significant increase in fluoride mineral content on the enamel surface. On the other hand, SDF showed a significant silver increase in comparison with (ca & p) of NaF varnish as a remineralizing agent by EDS analysis.
Conclusion: Silver diamine fluoride and NaF varnishes can remineralize early carious lesions with better enamel remineralization by silver ions of SDF.