Silver Modified Atraumatic Restorative Treatment. SMART Technique goal is to control and stabilize ("arrest") lesions, when associated with an overall management of the carious disease.
2 modes of action:
1. Chemical: impregnation of the carious tissue with Silver and Fluoride ions, provided by a 38% Silver Diamine Fluoride solution and by GIC Fluoride release (capture/release cycles).
2. Mechanical: sealing of lesions (and therefore food intake for bacteria) by a high density GIC.
SMART technique is derived from ART (Atraumatic Restorative Treatment) and therefore uses neither anesthesia nor rotation. It is a simple technique, easily accepted by patients, fast and inexpensive. It is only possible for teeth without signs or symptoms of pulp diseases. It is particularly suitable for children where conventional care would be difficult to perform.
Once the lesions have stabilized, follow-up is necessary. Depending on the evolution, 3 options are possible: simple monitoring, Hall technique or conventional restorative care.