SDF is a safe and painless way to help fight cavities

Dentistry has come along way from the days when dentist would just drill out an entire tooth surface to get access to the cavity and hopefully prevent further tooth destruction. Today we know a lot more about the chemistry of cavity formation and so a relatively new product to North America has been added to our tool box to help fight this disease. 

SDF was first approved for use in Japan more than 80 years ago and in 2014 was approved but the US Food and Drug Administration.

So what is SDF?

Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid that is made of 

• silver: antimicrobial- helps kill bacteria by breaking down the cell wall
• water: provides a liquid base for the mixture
• fluoride: helps your teeth rebuild the materials they’re made of (found in toothpaste)
• ammonia: helps the solution remain concentrated so that it’s maximally effective against cavity resonance

How do we use it?

The liquid is applied by your dentist or dental hygienist topically on the tooth surface where there is a cavity. Multiple applications maybe needed to fully stop the cavity from progressing. 

What are the side effects?

When applied correctly this product has few side effects and found to be very safe even for youge children. It should not be used if you have a silver allergy, oral canker sores or advanced gum disease. It would not be used if the cavity is very deep where there is nerve exposure. 

There most common side effect is permanent staying of the cavity black. If it touches the skin a temporary brown stain will appear that goes away in 2-3 days. The black stain of the cavity can be covered up by a white filling material if needed.

I have been using this product for several years now to treat very young children who’s poor cooperation would not allow for proper treatment. This would delay final treatment until they are older and more cooperative. I have also used it in adults where the cavities are so difficult to access and would require very extensive treatment. SDF can prevent further destruction of the tooth and keep the tooth intact for many more years.

Takeaway…..SDF is a safe and a painless way to help fight  cavities.

Let us help you decide if this treatment is right for you

Let us keep you smiling...

Dr. Sharon Walden