Silver Diamine Fluoride
Key Takeaway
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a liquid that when painted on the tooth can stop a small cavity from growing or slow the growth of a medium cavity. It is a great option for treating small cavities on a non- or pre-cooperative child. It is made up of silver, water, fluoride and ammonia.
What Is SDF and How Does It Work?
SDF is a clear liquid made of silver, water, fluoride, and ammonia.
When applied to a small or medium cavity, it penetrates the affected area and kills the bacteria responsible for causing decay.
It has been shown to remineralize demineralized dentin, which means it helps restore the affected tooth structure. This results in a stronger and healthier tooth.
SDF is most effective when applied multiple times. It is important to note that if the area is not kept clean or covered with a restorative material, the cavity can return.
Benefits of SDF
- Controls pain and infection
- Quick and painless application
- Requires no drilling or numbing
- Low cost compared to traditional treatments
- Non-invasive method of cavity treatment
- Desensitizer for hypoplastic molars
Potential Downsides
While SDF has many benefits, there are some potential downsides to consider. These include:
- Unpleasant metallic taste reported by some patients
- May cause irritation to gum and mucosal surfaces
- Leaves a black scar on treated teeth
However, the effectiveness of this treatment far outweighs these minor side effects.
Application Process
The application of SDF is quick and painless.
- First, the tooth is dried with air, then the liquid is applied with a small brush or special floss for cavities in between teeth.
- A fluoride varnish is painted over the treated area to seal it in and prevent any further decay. The treatment takes less than 90 seconds per treatment area!
- After the treatment, we immediately give the patient a sugar-free sucker to mask the unpleasant taste.
FAQS
What are the downsides of silver diamine fluoride?
The potential downsides of SDF include an unpleasant metallic taste for some patients, possible irritation to gum and mucosal surfaces, and a black scar on treated teeth. However, these are minor side effects compared to the benefits of using SDF as a non-invasive treatment option for cavities.
Is SDF better than a filling?
It ultimately depends on the individual case and the recommendation of your dentist. In some cases, a traditional filling may be necessary if the cavity is too large or deep for SDF to effectively treat. However, SDF can be an excellent alternative for smaller cavities or to slow the growth of medium-sized cavities.
What does silver diamine fluoride do?
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a liquid solution that contains both silver and fluoride. When applied to a cavity, the silver component acts as an antimicrobial agent, killing bacteria and preventing further decay. The fluoride then helps strengthen and restore the damaged tooth structure. Together, these components make SDF an effective treatment for cavities in their early stages.
How much does SDF cost in Kansas?
The cost of SDF treatment can vary, depending on the location and dental office. In Kansas, the average price for a single application of SDF ranges from $50 to $100 per tooth. However, this is typically less expensive than traditional fillings or other invasive dental procedures.
Did You Know…
Dental caries continue to be the most prevalent chronic disease affecting children in the United States. According to a 2024 survey performed by the CDC, more than 1 in 10 children aged 2–5 years had at least one untreated cavity in their baby teeth. By age 6–8 years, it was nearly 1 in 5 children.
Fluoride
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral known for its ability to strengthen tooth enamel and prevent tooth decay.
It is an essential element in maintaining oral health and can be found in various forms, such as gels, varnishes, toothpaste, and even in community water supplies.
When applied to primary teeth and permanent teeth, fluoride helps rebuild and remineralize weakened enamel, reversing early signs of decay and making teeth more resistant to acid attacks from bacteria in the mouth.
The American Dental Association (ADA) and dentists recommend fluoride for its proven effectiveness in preventing cavities and keeping teeth strong and healthy.
Application Process
Fluoride varnish is part of our routine preventive care.
During a dental cleaning, the varnish is applied to the teeth using a small brush. It is sticky at first but hardens when it comes in contact with saliva. We offer 2-3 different flavors and allow the child to choose which flavor they would like.
Understanding Fluoride Levels in Toothpastes and Water
Early identification of these issues allows us to intervene early and prevent more severe dental complications in the fFluoride is an important tool in preventing cavities, and as parents or caregivers, it’s essential to understand how to use it safely for your family. Here are some guidelines:
Fluoride Toothpaste:
- It is recommended to start using a tiny smear of fluoride toothpaste when brushing your baby’s teeth as soon as they start to erupt. A tiny smear is all you need as they have very few teeth and are not able to spit yet.
- For children aged 3 to 6, use a pea-sized amount of toothpaste.
- Encourage children to spit the toothpaste out after brushing. Young children should be supervised when brushing.
Fluoridated Water:
- Check if your community’s water supply is fluoridated. The recommended level is around 0.7 ppm, which helps reduce cavities while minimizing the risk of dental fluorosis.
- You can find out your water’s fluoride content by contacting your local water supplier or checking My Waters Fluoride Home by the CDC.
How is Regular Fluoride Different from SDF?
While both fluoride and silver diamine fluoride are used to prevent and treat dental decay, they serve different purposes and are used in different ways.
Regular fluoride primarily acts as a preventive measure to strengthen enamel and reverse early decay, whereas SDF is used to arrest existing cavities without extensive dental work.
SDF also has the additional component of silver, which provides antibacterial properties, and unlike regular fluoride, it leaves a characteristic black stain on treated teeth.
Regular fluoride treatments are typically non-invasive and leave no visible mark on teeth, making them suitable for regular maintenance in dental care.
We offer a range of dental treatments and preventive measures to ensure your child’s teeth are strong, healthy, and cavity-free. We also prescribe and dispense prescription strength fluoride toothpaste when appropriate.
If you are searching for a pediatric dentist that is accepting new patients, we can help! To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Overland Park, KS, call (913) 345-0331 or complete the online inquiry form.
