Breakthrough Method Halts Cavities Without the Need for Drilling

WHO:

Fast Company - The study was led by Professor Margherita Fontana from the University of Michigan School of Dentistry.

Fast Company - Amr Moursi, an NYU professor of pediatric dentistry, contributed to the study.

Fast Company - The study was conducted in partnership with the NYU College of Dentistry and the University of Iowa.

WHAT:

Fast Company - The study found that silver diamine fluoride (SDF) can stop cavities when applied to the surface of a tooth.

Fast Company - SDF stopped tooth decay in over half of the baby teeth of more than 800 children under age six when applied every six months.

Science Daily - The treatment requires no drilling, shots, or sedation, but it does permanently darken the decayed area.

WHERE:

Fast Company - The study was conducted in the United States.

WHEN:

Fast Company - Silver diamine fluoride was approved in the U.S. in 2014 to treat tooth sensitivity.

WHY:

Fast Company - The treatment could significantly reduce tooth decay, which affects almost half of children in the U.S. and can lead to pain, infection, and school disruption.

Fast Company - Professor Fontana stated that rigorous evidence is needed to show that SDF works and is safe for broader implementation.

HOW:

Fast Company - Silver diamine fluoride is applied topically to the tooth surface without the need for drilling.

Fast Company - The study's results support the potential for FDA approval of SDF as a cavity treatment in the U.S.

(UPDATED July 29, 2026 20:23 UTC)

A new study led by Professor Margherita Fontana from the University of Michigan, in collaboration with NYU and the University of Iowa, has found that silver diamine fluoride can effectively stop cavities when applied to children's teeth. The treatment, which requires no drilling or sedation, successfully halted tooth decay in over half of the baby teeth of more than 800 children under age six when administered every six months, although it does darken the affected area permanently. This promising research supports the potential for FDA approval of SDF as a cavity treatment, addressing a significant issue as nearly half of children in the U.S. experience tooth decay, which can lead to pain and disruptions in their schooling.