How is Silver Diamine Fluoride Used in Dental Appointments?
What is silver diamine fluoride?
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a liquid application we use on teeth that have developed a cavity. The application quickly prevents the spread or growth of the cavity.
What is SDF made of?
silver: helps eliminate bacteria
water: provides a carrier for the silver
fluoride: helps rebuild and prevent bacterial degradation of the tooth.
ammonia: helps the ingredients remain concentrated so that it’s optimally effective against cavity progression.
SDF isn’t new, it’s use was first approved in Japan over 80 years ago. Just recently, SDF was approved for use in the United States - 2014.
SDF is considered a safe application that the FDA has allowed to be used even for home use and can be found in stores. However, it is recommended to be used in a dental setting to get the best result and minimize staining.
How is it used?
In a dental setting, SDF is applied directly to the tooth where a cavity has been diagnosed. A proper dental exam is necessary to determine the location of a cavity to get the best outcome with an SDF application.
In my office we use the following steps:
Isolation of the cavity with barriers.
Obtaining a dry field and removing moisture from the cavity surface.
A 30 second application with a brush for optimum penetration of the surface cavity. Ofttimes, several applications are done over a year or two.
Left - after SDF application Right - prior to SDF application
If the stain is unsightly we can mask the area with some of the following options to cover the cavity:
A white filling that can cover the surface
Potassium Iodide solution that removed the silver but decreases the benefits of the application.
Crowning the entire surface of the tooth.
The best part of using SDF is that it requires little to no preparation of the surface affected by decay. Additionally, it is considered preventative to place the application on healthy teeth surfaces as well. Thus, SDF is quick, painless and effective.
You may recall receiving a Fluoride treatment prior to hearing about SDF. In the past you were likely receiving a Fluoride varnish that pales in comparison to the potency and preventative effect that SDF has shown. Also, SDF doen’t seem to require the frequency of applications that traditional varnishes require.
There are no set frequency of applications required for SDF to do its job. Most of us only apply SDF once per year. I like to apply it several times throughout the year, typically at each filling visit - if you have more that a couple cavities. Traditional varnishes often need to be applied four or more times per year.
How does it benefit your oral hygiene?
SDF has a proven track record of being effective to help stop cavity progression after a cavity has formed.
SDF helps eliminate the bacteria that break down healthy teeth while also keeping them from spreading to adjacent teeth.
SDF is often suggested as a more comfortable alternative to fixing a cavity. This especially comes in handy with children or adults who may be overly anxious about their dental visit or may not be able to tolerate a procedure such as in the case of a special needs individual.
SDF can be helpful for patients who have sensitivities to certain dental materials.
SDF can help keep cavities to a minimum for financial reasons if you’re saving up to have a procedure done.
Elevation Family Dental and Dr. Chamberlain all believe that stopping disease is our main objective. If you feel like you would like to consult regarding Silver Diamine Fluoride to see if it is right for you, just click on the link below.
