Influence of Light Curing and Fluoride Varnish Application on Silver Diamine Fluoride Penetration in Carious Lesions of Primary Teeth

Objectives: The present investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) treatment, with or without subsequent application of fluoride varnish followed by light curing, on the depth of SDF penetration into the dentinal tubules of primary carious teeth. Materials and Methods: Fifty extracted carious primary molars were sectioned into halves, with each section containing carious dentin. These sections were randomly divided into four groups: Group A—application of SDF only; Group B—SDF followed by light curing for 20 seconds; Group C—SDF followed by 5% fluoride varnish without light curing; and Group D—SDF followed by fluoride varnish with light curing for 20 seconds. Penetration depth was measured using a high-resolution microscope at specific sites on each sample both before and after the application. The data were analyzed using ANOVA. Results: The results indicated no significant difference in SDF penetration depth with or without light curing, suggesting consistent efficacy in penetrating dental tissues. Similarly, the addition of fluoride varnish did not significantly alter penetration depth, regardless of light curing. Conclusion: Light curing or adding 5% fluoride varnish did not significantly influence the depth of the SDF penetration into the carious dentin of primary molars.