There has been a recent focus on using silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for oral health in the prevention of cavities, especially in certain segments of the population. Trials and studies have shown that SDF is a significant treatment for toddlers, children, the elderly, those with special needs, and those in lower socio-economic demographics.

At Sninski and Schmitt Family Dentistry, we know the importance of preventing cavities in maintaining good oral health. One way to create strong teeth is by keeping up with regular dental check-ups. However, depending on the extent of cavity development, you may find that applying SDF is helpful also. 

We want you to understand SDF treatment. In this article, we explain what silver diamine fluoride is, how it works, and the benefits and risks. 

What Silver Diamine Fluoride Is

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a clear liquid substance used as a treatment to prevent, slow, or stop tooth decay. 

SDF is made of:

  • Silver – helps kill bacteria
  • Water – provides a liquid base for the mixture
  • Fluoride – helps your teeth build the materials they are made of, called mineralization
  • Ammonia – helps the solution remain concentrated to maximum effectiveness against cavities

SDF is an innovative material that can eliminate the need to remove decay and fill a tooth. The application is painless. No local anesthesia is needed. Silver diamine fluoride has been a popular treatment in other countries for decades.

This dental treatment is especially useful for people who don’t want to or can’t get traditional treatment, such as children, people with special needs, and the elderly. Teaching your children good oral hygiene habits at an early age is important as discussed in our article “How to Teach Kids Good Oral Hygiene Habits.” Small children who don’t know about good oral care and, therefore, have not practiced it can be helped greatly with SDF application. For more information about what you can do to take care of your toddler’s teeth, read our article “Tips to Keep Your Child’s Teeth Healthy.”

How Silver Diamine Fluoride Works

SDF is a colorless liquid that is applied to teeth with a small brush. Silver diamine fluoride can be put on teeth as soon as tooth decay is detected by painting a minimal amount onto the affected area. As it is working on the crown and root surfaces, the silver content of the material kills the bacteria causing tooth decay. At the same time, the fluoride content remineralizes the tooth to help restore its strength. 

It is very effective on primary (baby) teeth, in particular, front teeth. SDF may not work as well on back teeth, especially when there are large areas of decay. Also, it works best if it is applied to the decayed tooth more than once.

How Silver Diamine Fluoride is Applied

A dentist doesn’t have to fill your cavities or modify your tooth surface before using SDF since it is strong enough to stop and prevent most cavities by itself.

SDF is applied to your teeth in the following manner:

  1. Cotton is placed near the teeth to keep them dry.
  2. A vacuum is used to remove the moisture.
  3. A microbrush is used to apply SDF to the cavity on the tooth. The area is rubbed for one minute.
  4. The tooth is air-dried.
  5. Light curing is used to make sure the SDF sinks deeper into the tooth.

Benefits Silver Diamine Fluoride

  • Effective and efficient – A study has shown that SDF can stop around 80% of cavities and can be applied in less than a minute. 
  • Safe – Many studies and trials have shown that there are no serious side effects other than staining.
  • Quick and painless – Unlike filling a cavity, SDF is quick and painless. This makes it a great choice for children, especially those with situational anxiety. It is also a good choice for some people with special needs such as emotional and developmental disabilities.
  • Preventative in cavity production – SDF not only prevents cavities from spreading or getting larger, but it can also prevent future cavities from developing.
  • Inexpensive – SDF is fairly inexpensive, however, there is a wide range of prices. On average, one application of SDF costs approximately $75, averaging from $20 to $25 per tooth. SDF is covered under Medicaid in North Carolina. 

Risks of Silver Diamine Fluoride

  • Metallic taste in the mouth
  • Gum irritation that only lasts a couple of days
  • Irreversible dark stains in the areas where it is applied, particularly on cavities. Note: A study has suggested that nano silver fluoride (NSF) may be a preferable alternative to SDF. NSF works like SDF but without staining. However, more research needs to be done since NSF is a relatively new treatment.

You should avoid using SDF if you have a silver allergy or lesions or tooth decay that has opened up the soft tissue inside your tooth (pulp) because SDF can make the infection spread to surrounding areas.

Contact Us Today for a Dental Cleaning and Checkup

It is so important to keep up with your and your children’s dental checkups and cleanings. If you’ve been busy and it has been a while since you or your family has had a good cleaning, contact us to schedule a dental appointment. Our professional team at Sninski and Schmitt Family Dentistry is here to keep your teeth healthy. Call our Holly Springs dentist office at (919) 600-6262 and our Cary, NC dentist office at (919) 467-2203, or use the convenient online form below to schedule an appointment.

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