Understanding how long teeth treated with Silver Diamine Fluoride stay healthy in adults

Survival analysis of teeth treated with SDF to arrest caries in adults

NIH-funded research Boston University Medical Campus · NIH-11144427

This project looks at how well a treatment called Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) works to stop tooth decay in adults over time.

Quick facts

Grant typeR03 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBoston University Medical Campus NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11144427 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many adults experience tooth decay, and some find it hard to get dental care because of cost, fear, or difficulty finding appointments. This often leads to untreated cavities, which can cause pain and further problems. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a promising treatment that can stop tooth decay without drilling, making it easier and more affordable to manage cavities. Our goal is to understand how long teeth treated with SDF remain healthy and free from further decay in adult patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is relevant for adults who have tooth decay and are interested in non-invasive treatment options like Silver Diamine Fluoride.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have tooth decay or prefer traditional drilling and filling methods may not directly benefit from this specific research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could show that SDF is a long-lasting and effective way to manage tooth decay, potentially making dental care more accessible and affordable for many adults.

How similar studies have performed: SDF has been used in other settings, particularly in children, to effectively stop the progression of tooth decay, suggesting a strong basis for its use in adults.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.