G5 Article dissertation

From biology to mechanics: Effects of silver fluoride treatments on dentin




AuthorsÜçtaşlı, Merve

  • PublisherTurun yliopisto

Publishing placeTurku

Publication year2026

Series titleAnnales Universitatis Turkuensis D

Number in series1968

ISBN978-952-02-0656-7

eISBN978-952-02-0657-4

ISSN0355-9483

eISSN2343-3213

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Open Access publication channel

Web address https://urn.fi/URN:ISBN:978-952-02-0657-4


Abstract

Silver fluoride-based treatments have gained increasing clinical and research attention as promising therapeutic agents for caries arrest, yet their interactions with dentin remain uncharacterized. The aim of the present thesis was to investigate the adhesive, enzymatic, biocompatibility, and fatigue-related behavior of dentin treated with ammonia-based silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and water-based silver fluoride (SF), with or without the application of potassium iodide (KI). Four studies were accomplished. Study I evaluated the resin-dentin bonding to SDF- and SDF + KI treated dentin using different bonding strategies, surface treatment approaches and delayed bonding time points. Study II investigated the long-term effects of SDF and SF treatments, with or without KI, on dentin collagen matrix stability over a six month period. Study III assessed trans-dentin and direct cytotoxicity using dentin barrier test and cell viability assays. Study IV evaluated the fracture strength and fatigue resistance of carious dentin treated with silver fluoride-based treatments using a microcosm biofilm model under quasi-static and cyclic loading conditions. Immediate self-etch bonding to SDF- or SDF + KI-treated dentin severely reduced bond strengths, whereas acid etching, rinsing, airborne-particle abrasion or delayed bonding restored bonding performance. Silver fluoride treatments reduced total enzymatic activity and partially preserved mechanical properties of dentin collagen, while KI application increased collagen degradation. SF treatment showed higher biocompatibility than SDF treatment, especially without KI application. Caries substantially reduced dentin fatigue resistance, but SF treatment without KI application improved endurance limits and resistance to crack propagation. Water based silver fluoride without potassium iodide emerged as the most promising formulation, combining superior biocompatibility and mechanical performance. The use of potassium iodide should be reconsidered, particularly when esthetic demand is less important. These findings highlight the clinical potential of water-based silver fluoride as a better alternative to ammonia-based silver diamine fluoride and provide guidance for optimizing silver fluoride-based treatment protocols.



Last updated on 28/04/2026 02:18:09 PM