No-drill cavity treatment tested in kids: could it replace the dentist's drill?
NCT ID NCT07153328
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 26, 2026
Summary
This study tested whether painting a liquid called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) onto cavities every six months can stop tooth decay in young children aged 1.5 to 8 years. Some children also got a fluoride varnish every three months. The goal was to see if cavities become hard and inactive. The trial involved 104 children who were not cooperative for regular dental care. If successful, SDF could offer a simple, painless way to manage cavities without drills or sedation.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Silver diamine fluoride (38%) and sodium fluoride varnish (5%)
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could give dentists and parents a simple, painless way to stop cavities in young children without drills or sedation.
- What could go wrong
- This is a small, completed trial with 104 children. SDF stains cavities black, which may be a cosmetic concern. Results may not apply to all populations.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Beaty Dent
Tirana, Tirana, 1001, Albania
-
Happy Dent
Tirana, Tirana, 1001, Albania
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Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.
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