1) To help reverse cavities, but also sometimes 2) to delay needing to treat a tooth that may or may not need a restoration later. SDF will only work with amazing homecare and attention to diet and snacking.We are putting mineral back into the tooth with SDF, but the process that caused the cavity in the first place has to be stopped as well. Great brushing, flossing and using prescription strength toothpaste will increase the effectiveness of the SDF and lower the chance of needing a traditional restoration in the future. Please only drink water between meals and minimize snacking. When snacking, avoid carbohydrates. The natural bacteria in our mouths produce acid from carbs preventing you from remineralizing (reversing) the cavity. See our suggested snack list for the best snack options. Teeth must be flossed twice a day, in addition to brushing after meals. The surfaces we are treating must stay clean, or more mineral loss (the cavities) will continue. We also recommend leaving a pinhead amount of prescription-strength toothpaste in the treated area overnight. We will show you how little to use. When Silver Diamine Fluoride has been applied, the treated place on the tooth that has decay will turn dark (usually black). This is an indication that the decay in the tooth is arresting/remineralizing. If Silver Diamine Fluoride comes in contact with skin and/or gums, temporary dark discoloration will occur, but will go away as the skin rejuvenates. Our team takes precautions such as applying Vaseline to and around the lips, and using a patient napkin to protect clothing. If Silver Diamine Fluoride is placed on a tooth that has a tooth colored restoration or demineralized enamel (white lesions), discoloration may occur. Contraindications: Silver Allergy (very rare)
WHEN DO WE USE SDF?
WHAT TO DO AT HOME TO MAKE IT WORK:
REVERSING CAVITIES BETWEEN TEETH:
WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS?
FAQs
Is SDF covered by insurance? ›
Some insurance companies are beginning to accept and cover SDF, while others aren't. The good news, however, is that SDF is an inexpensive treatment that can save a lot of money down the road by preventing larger problems in your child's teeth.
How much does SDF cost per tooth? ›SDF is relatively inexpensive, although there's a wide range of prices. On average, one application of SDF costs around $75, averaging from $20 to $25 per tooth.
Is silver diamine fluoride safe for kids? ›SDF is generally considered safe and has been proven to be effective in managing cavities in children.
Can dental hygienists place SDF? ›Dental hygienist may apply SDF after completing board-approved course. The Board decided dental hygienists, after the dentist has diagnosed patient and prescribes SDF as a treatment, may apply SDF.
What is the controversy with silver diamine fluoride? ›Its potential downsides include a reportedly unpleasant metallic taste, potential to irritate gingival and mucosal surfaces, and the characteristic black staining of the tooth surfaces to which it is applied.
Is SDF better than a filling? ›SDF treatment may prevent the need for more invasive treatments (such as fillings, crowns and pulling out teeth). It is also a good option for children who have limited access to dental care or trouble tolerating dental treatment. There is no injection or drilling required.
What are the cons of silver diamine fluoride? ›The risk of tooth discoloration is one of the SDF treatment's most significant downsides. SDF could darken the treated tooth's color and induce discoloration. Although front teeth may show this staining more obviously, it can happen to any tooth that has received SDF treatment.
What is the success rate of silver diamine fluoride? ›SDF application was found to be overall effective (fixed effect model) in arresting caries progression (ES = 0.35, p < 0.01). In a total of 622 arrested lesions, out of 1205 considered, the caries arrest rate was 51.62% ± 27.40% (Confidence = 1.55) using SDF ≥ 38% applied annually or biannually.
What are the alternatives to SDF? ›Alternative treatments depend on location and extent of tooth decay and may include fluoride varnish, fillings/crowns, extraction, or referral for advanced treatment.
When can SDF not be used? ›Because SDF contains silver, children with allergies to silver or who have sores or ulcers in their mouth should not get it. It should not be used when tooth decay has reached the pulp (center) of the tooth or if parents do not agree with having decayed areas on a child's teeth turn black.
Can you brush your teeth after SDF? ›
Can I brush my teeth after SDF? Yes, but wait 1 hour after treatment to allow time for SDF to penetrate into the tooth.
How often should I apply silver diamine fluoride? ›Caries lesions can be restored after treatment with SDF. When lesions are not restored after SDF therapy, bi- annual reapplication shows increased caries arrest rate versus a single application.
How do you cover SDF? ›1: Dry the affected area. 2: Place a small amount of SDF on the affected area. 3: Allow SDF to dry and cover with fluoride varnish. 4: Rinse.
Is fluoride usually covered by dental insurance? ›Your dentist can also apply a fluoride varnish, gel or foam to teeth. Dental plans usually cover fluoride treatments for children but not for adults.
Who can apply for SDF in California? ›Silver Diamine Fluoride
This benefit is available statewide and allows providers, including allied dental professionals, to bill for the application of the caries-arresting medicament SDF (D1354).
SDF is used to treat existing cavities, while dental sealants are primarily used to prevent cavities from forming altogether. Both can be applied topically, but dental sealants last longer, while SDF needs to be reapplied twice a year.