Silver Diamine Fluoride

Used as far back as the 1950’s in Japan and now finally approved by the FDA in the United States & Canada, Silver Diamine Fluoride or SDF, is a treatment option offered in our office. Although not for every child and often disappointing in appearance for larger decayed lesions, SDF is very effective in not only arresting decay but also helping change the dentin tooth structure to be more resistant to further decay.

We have found that for small cavities between the teeth, it is a cost-efficient treatment to hamper further decay. We advocate the use in small lesions, or incipient cavities as they are called, to avoid more costly or extensive treatment later.

Our doctors and hygienists are happy to answer any questions you may have and are eager to help you understand more about SDF and whether it is a good treatment choice for arresting your child’s cavities.

Pros

• Easily applied

• Cost efficient

• Very effective

Cons

• Unsightly for larger cavities: dark staining of tooth structure

• Requires multiple applications to work well

• Not a definitive restorative treatment

Silver Diamine Fluoride in the news! New York Times article here.

Minimally invasive dentistry is on the rise! University of Southern California article here.

The video below explains the importance of this breakthrough material in dentistry!

The SDF staining could be treated later! See below cavities treated with SDF and later when the child’s behavior allowed they were restored with tooth colored material.