Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is the LEAST expensive and most effective material to arrest caries in which type of tooth?

Correct answer: B. Asymptomatic carious primary or permanent teeth (especially in high-risk patients)

• A. While SDF is valuable for root surface caries in elderly patients, it is not limited to this group.
• B. Correct. SDF (silver diamine fluoride) is an evidence-based, minimally invasive caries arresting agent that is the least expensive and highly effective for ASYMPTOMATIC carious teeth. It works on primary and permanent teeth, is particularly valuable for patients who are uncooperative or high-caries-risk, and requires no drilling. The black staining of arrested caries is its main cosmetic drawback.
• C. SDF is contraindicated in teeth with symptomatic pulpitis or pulpal exposure — these require pulpal treatment.
• D. SDF can arrest both active and cavitated caries; its use is not limited to arrested lesions only.