SILVER DIAMINE FLUORIDE (SDF) TREATMENT
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an antibacterial liquid that is applied to the tooth surface to stop the tooth decay process. SDF can also be used to treat tooth sensitivity. SDF application every six to 12 months is necessary to make sure the decaying process and sensitivity have stopped completely.
SDF APPLICATION
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Your provider will make sure that SDF is not contraindicated for application. If you have an allergy to silver, SDF cannot be applied. Also, if the patient has any painful sores or raw areas anywhere in the mouth, SDF will not be applied until sores have healed.
WHAT WILL MY TOOTH LOOK LIKE AFTER SDF IS APPLIED?
Once SDF is applied your tooth will turn a dark almost black color. This is good as it means the decay process has stopped or that the cavity has arrested. When the tooth is restored with a crown or filling you will never know that SDF was applied. Sometimes the dark color can transfer to the gingival tissues and other tooth surfaces that are not decayed during application. This will wear off with time and is no cause for alarm.
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an antibacterial liquid that is applied to the tooth surface to stop the tooth decay process. SDF can also be used to treat tooth sensitivity. SDF application every six to 12 months is necessary to make sure the decaying process and sensitivity have stopped completely.
SDF APPLICATION
- Dry the affected area.
- Place a small amount of SDF on the affected area with a small brush.
- Allow SDF to dry for one minute.
- Rinse.
- Treatment with SDF does not eliminate the need for dental fillings or crowns to repair function or esthetics. It only bides some time for an adolescent patient to mature in age or for the primary tooth to exfoliate on its own.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
Your provider will make sure that SDF is not contraindicated for application. If you have an allergy to silver, SDF cannot be applied. Also, if the patient has any painful sores or raw areas anywhere in the mouth, SDF will not be applied until sores have healed.
WHAT WILL MY TOOTH LOOK LIKE AFTER SDF IS APPLIED?
Once SDF is applied your tooth will turn a dark almost black color. This is good as it means the decay process has stopped or that the cavity has arrested. When the tooth is restored with a crown or filling you will never know that SDF was applied. Sometimes the dark color can transfer to the gingival tissues and other tooth surfaces that are not decayed during application. This will wear off with time and is no cause for alarm.
