Effects of Silver Diamine Fluoride and Potassium Iodide Solutions on the Anti-Caries Properties, Surface Hardness, and Bond Strength of Resin Modified Glass Ionomer in Dentin

This study evaluated the effects of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and potassium iodide (PI) on carious dentin. The antibacterial efficacy, surface hardness, and bond strength of resin-modified glass ionomer cement (RMGI) were assessed. Dentin specimens were prepared and subjected to artificial caries formation. The antibacterial effect of SDF/PI was compared to sodium fluoride varnish using Streptococcus mutans colony counts. Surface microhardness was measured using the Vickers hardness test. Shear bond strength of RMGI to treated surfaces was evaluated after thermocycling. Results showed that SDF/PI had superior antibacterial effects compared to NaF varnish. Surface hardness significantly increased one week after SDF/PI application. While SDF/PI treatment did not immediately affect RMGI bond strength to carious dentin, delayed bonding after one week significantly improved bond strength. These findings suggest that SDF/PI is effective in arresting caries and enhancing remineralization of carious dentin. The study also indicates that delaying restoration placement for one week after SDF/PI application may be beneficial for improving bond strength. This research provides valuable insights into the clinical application of SDF/PI for caries management and subsequent restorative procedures.