Silver Diamine Fluoride
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a liquid medication used by dentists to treat cavities. It takes just a few minutes to put on teeth with cavities
SDF is a quick way to help stop or slow down cavities. It can be used without shots (local anesthetic), sedation or anesthesia. It can fix cavities without drilling. SDF is very helpful for children who are very young, experience dental anxiety, or have special behavioral or healthcare needs. It also helps relieve tooth sensitivity.
Yes, SDF is safe for children and adults.
Sometimes SDF is not recommended.
- Children who are allergic to silver or have raw or painful sores anywhere in the mouth should not have SDF.
- If your child has a tooth that is infected, with or without pain, the tooth should not receive SDF. In that case, your child should be seen by a dental professional.
- There is a chance that SDF is not enough to stop the cavity from getting worse. In that case, the tooth will need more treatment. That could include another SDF treatment, a filling or crown, or extraction (pulling the tooth).
Yes. You have the option of having no treatment to the tooth, but the cavity may get worse and require more involved treatment. In that case, a dentist may recommend a filling or crown, pulling the tooth, or other methods that might need sedation or general anesthesia.
SDF application is quick and painless. Your doctor or dentist will:
- Clean and dry the tooth with the cavity.
- Place a small amount of SDF on the cavity.
- Allow 10 to 60 seconds for SDF to absorb.
- Remove remaining SDF using a gauze or cotton roll.
For best results, SDF should be reapplied every 3, 6, or 12 months. If the cavity still progresses with the first treatment, additional applications by your dentist may be necessary.
- SDF will permanently stain the cavity black. For baby teeth, this will last until the tooth falls out.
- If a little SDF gets on the gums or lips, a brown or white stain may appear. It will go away in 1 to 3 weeks.
- Your child may notice a metallic taste that will go away quickly, usually by the next day.
- If your child already has tooth colored fillings or crowns, they may be temporarily discolored if SDF is applied to them.