Silver Diamine Fluoride

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What is Silver Diamine Fluoride?

SDF (silver diamine fluoride) is a liquid that helps prevent tooth cavities (also known as caries) from forming, expanding, or spreading to adjacent teeth.

 

What are the advantages of using SDF?

SDF has numerous advantages. The application process is pleasant, quick, and non-invasive. This is especially beneficial for patients who are young or have a high level of dental fear, as it helps us to establish trust and construct a treatment plan if necessary.

Many dentists have traditionally employed a fluoride varnish to assist prevent cavity formation. SDF has been shown to be more effective than varnish at reducing cavity formation. Over time, SDF may require fewer treatments.

 

What should I do if I’m interested in SDF for my child’s treatment?

If you’d like to learn more about SDF as a therapy option for your kid, please contact our staff. In our office, the doctor will examine your child’s teeth to see if he or she is a good candidate.

 

Who are the SDF candidates?
  • Children with cavities on baby teeth that will fall out in the next few months
  • Children with small, early cavities who wish to take extra precautions to prevent the cavity from developing or spreading to other teeth

 

SDF has the following advantages: 
  • It is a simple process that takes only a few minutes to complete
  • It is a comfortable and painless procedure that does not require numbing

 

SDF has the following disadvantages: 
  • SDF will turn your child’s cavity black from an orange/yellow color.
  • SDF is not a long-term solution; the dark signifies that the cavity has been stopped. For the cavity to remain arrested, the region will need to be re-applied every 6-12 months.

 

What should I do if my child has been given silver diamine fluoride (SDF)?
  • Wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking to allow the SDF to thoroughly infiltrate the treatment location.
  • If the soft tissues, such as the cheek or surrounding gums, come into touch with the SDF, they will darken during the next 24 hours. Within ten days, the discoloration will be fully gone.