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.

Disclaimer Read more

This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

dental caries

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