Silver Diamine Fluoride: What is it?

An FDA-approved antibacterial liquid called silver diamine fluoride is used in clinical settings to treat active tooth caries and stop the disease’s spread. While removing the decay and placing a restoration is the optimal way to treat teeth with decay, this alternative treatment enables us to stop decay with noninvasive techniques, especially in young children who still have baby teeth and who would be unable to finish standard treatment.

Although Silver Diamine Fluoride treatment has been successful in halting additional decay, it does not completely eliminate the need for restorative dentistry to restore function or aesthetics. Dental fillings, root canal treatment, and/or crowns are just a few examples of dental restorations.

The action of Silver Diamine Fluoride

Silver and fluoride are the two main ingredients that make up silver diamine fluoride. Silver works as an anti-microbial agent while also bolstering the dentin, the tooth’s innermost layer of protection. The active component that stops tooth decay and aids in preventing further decay is fluoride.

When should you use Silver Diamine Fluoride?

There are many circumstances where it might be advised. These consist of, but are not restricted to:

  • Children who might have a lot of tooth decay (severe early childhood caries)
  • Young infants who struggle to cooperate throughout treatment
  • Patients with special needs
  • Children who may not all need treatment in a single visit due to carious lesions

 

Facts to take into account:

  • An antibacterial solution called silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is used to relieve tooth sensitivity and to prevent tooth decay. SDF might need to be applied more than once.

 

The steps are:

  1. Dry the area that is damaged.
  2. SDF should be applied sparingly to the afflicted region.
  3. Let the SDF dry out.
  4. Rinse.

 

Using SDF on a child is not advised if:

  • Your child is allergic to silver.
  • Have ulcerative gingivitis, which causes painful ulcers or raw spots to appear anywhere in my mouth (i.e., stomatitis).
  • Dental crowns or fillings may still be required to restore function or aesthetics after SDF treatment. A separate charge will apply for any additional procedures.

 

SDF benefits include:

  • Tooth decay can be halted by SDF.
  • Sensitivity can be lessened using SDF.
  • SDF can buy time for individuals who would otherwise need anesthesia for conventional dental care because they are very young, scared, or have unique needs.

 

SDF risks include, but are not restricted to:

  • The stained region will remain permanently black. Stains cannot penetrate healthy tooth structure. In the future, stained tooth structure can be replaced with a filling or a crown.
  • A brown or white stain that was unintentionally applied to the skin or gums may develop but does no harm and will go away in one to three weeks.
  • Your youngster could taste something metallic, but it will pass quickly.
  • There is a chance that the procedure won’t stop the degradation, and neither a grant of success nor an implication of success are made.
  • If tooth decay is not stopped, it will advance. The tooth will then need more treatment, such as another SDF, a filling or crown, a root canal or pulp procedure, or extraction.

 

Alternatives to SDF, including but not limited to:

  • Lack of treatment could result in further damage to tooth structures and physical appearance. Symptoms can become more severe.
  • Other treatments can include applying fluoride varnish, placing a filling or crown, or extracting the tooth with or without sedation, depending on the location and severity of the tooth decay as well as the patient’s conduct and cooperation.