Can you get rid of cavities without drilling? Scientists find an 'easy and inexpensive' way to treat tooth decay in seconds

A quick, affordable treatment that takes just seconds to apply could offer a less invasive way to manage tooth decay, especially in young children, according to a recent study highlighted by ScienceDaily. Instead of using a dental drill, dentists can apply a liquid called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) directly to the affected tooth, where it helps stop the progression of early cavities. The approach is highlighted in a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, which found that SDF was effective at halting tooth decay in children without the need for drilling or fillings. Researchers evaluated the treatment in the Phase III trial in more than 800 children under the age of 6 and discovered that applying SDF every six months stopped cavities in more than half of their baby teeth.

The study, led by researchers from the University of Michigan in collaboration with the New York University College of Dentistry and the University of Iowa, could pave the way for the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to formally approve silver diamine fluoride (SDF) as a treatment for cavities. The findings provide the large-scale clinical evidence typically required by the FDA when considering new medical uses for existing treatments, potentially expanding SDF's role in cavity care across the United States. The study was launched in 2018 and successfully continued through the challenges and interruptions brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Unlike conventional cavity treatment, which typically requires removing decayed tooth material with a drill before placing a filling, SDF is simply painted onto the tooth's surface. The procedure is fast, painless, and particularly useful for babies and young children who may struggle with traditional dental treatments.


"This is a very effective and safe treatment - even in children as young as 1," said Margherita Fontana, as quoted by the ScienceDaily, professor of dentistry at the University of Michigan School of Dentistry and the study’s lead investigator.

Silver diamine fluoride has been used in several countries for years and has built a strong track record as a cavity-control treatment. In the United States, the substance received approval in 2014 to reduce tooth sensitivity. Although it has not yet been officially approved by regulators as a cavity treatment, many dentists already use it off-label to slow or stop tooth decay.

Researchers say the treatment could have a major public health impact, particularly because tooth decay remains one of the most common chronic childhood conditions. Nearly half of children in the United States experience cavities, which can cause pain, infection, difficulty eating, missed school days, and costly dental procedures. An inexpensive, no-drill option like SDF could make cavity treatment more accessible while reducing the need for invasive dental care.

"If we want more children and families to benefit from this treatment, we need rigorous evidence showing both that it works and that it’s safe. From a public health perspective, if we want broader implementation across the United States, including in medical settings, we need carefully collected data in US populations, and we now have that," Fontana was quoted as saying by the outlet.

"For almost anyone, this can arrest the decay and stop the infection and the pain it causes," Fontana said. "This could benefit many people."