Do you need to fill a cavity but are put off because of the noise of drilling? Well, silver diamine fluoride may be a good treatment option for you. Silver diamine fluoride is a dental filling material that uses silver to prevent and treat cavities. But how does it work?
Silver diamine fluoride works by halting the growth of dental caries (cavities). SDF is a topical solution. It is applied directly to the problem instead of being injected, ingested, or swallowed. A dentist can apply SDF during routine treatment to reduce discomfort from exposed dentin.
Are you looking for a less invasive way to take care of your dental health? SDF has been approved by the FDA to put on teeth during routine dental treatments. You might want to consider silver diamine fluoride. Learn how this innovative treatment works below.
What is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
The SDF is a colorless liquid made up of silver particles and 38 percent (44,800 ppm) fluoride ion that has a pH of 10 and is 25% silver, 8 percent ammonia, 5% fluoride, and 62 percent water. SDF also has an antimicrobial effect on bacteria in the mouth. SDF works by halting the growth of dental caries (cavities). SDF is carefully applied to the tooth by your dentist, who will coat the cavity area. SDF does not require an injection because it works best when applied directly to the problematic area. SDF is then rinsed off with water after 10 minutes. SDF can also be used as a spot treatment for small cavities or areas of sensitivity instead of applying it to an entire tooth surface.
Silver diamine fluoride, or SDF, is a new way to prevent and treat tooth decay in adults. It’s been used in Japan for more than 80 years ago. In 2014, the FDA gave its stamp of approval for use of SDF in the United States. The SDF is classified as a Class II medical device, which implies that it has minimal threats (compared to condoms and pregnancy tests, both of which are class II medical devices).
How Safe is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
As one of the newest additions to dentistry, SDF has been extensively studied for safety. SDF is classified as a Class II medical device by the FDA, meaning that it’s generally recognized as safe and effective when used appropriately. It is also FDA-approved for tooth sensitivity following dental treatment.
SDF appears to have a very good safety record. SDF is typically applied in a dentist’s office, so any side effects would be seen relatively quickly. SDF hasn’t been known to cause any systemic side effects or change the color or structure of teeth. SDF can affect soft tissues inside the mouth, so it should not be used by people with gum disease, exposed root surfaces, open sores, or gingivitis. In addition, SDF shouldn’t be applied to children under age 6 and pregnant women without first speaking with their dentist about SDF safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
How Often Should Silver Diamine Fluoride Be Applied?
SDF when used correctly, should be effective after a single treatment. However, multiple applications are anticipated to be more successful. For the greatest caries-arresting effect, SDF should be reapplied every six months for two years. SDF is best used as a preventive measure against developing sensitive tooth decay, rather than to treat it. SDF can help reduce sensitivity from exposed dentin, but it should never be the only treatment option for tooth decay or other dental conditions.
SDF should only be applied at a dentist’s office because it must be performed in addition to your usual dental cleaning and checkup in order to prevent additional decay or damage from occurring. SDF can help improve sensitivity issues whether you have cavities or not; however, SDF shouldn’t be used without professional supervision if you already have tooth decay present.
How Long Should SDF Be Applied?
SDF should be applied for one minute and then rinsed off with water. SDF works best on clean, dry teeth. SDF is usually applied twice a week for six to eight weeks. SDF can be used at home between regular dental appointments or it can be applied during an appointment. In very few and difficult-to-handle individuals, however, the treatment time is more than likely to be shorter. SDF is not meant to be applied for longer than eight weeks.
How does SDF Compare With Other Fluoride Treatments?
SDF treatment for three months can help stop the progression of white spot lesions by about 30%. SDF gel has been clinically shown to slow the progression of early-stage caries when applied topically twice weekly. SDF can also be used in conjunction with a sodium fluoride varnish or gel that’s brushed onto teeth, or SDF can be used at home once a day in your toothpaste. SDF should always be painted directly on the tooth and allowed to sit for one minute before rinsing it off. SDF should never be swallowed. SDF is ideal if you have multiple cavities, SDF treatments only take one minute. SDF is good for adults, teenagers, and children. SDF does not cause tooth sensitivity. SDF forms a protective layer that aids in the prevention of future tooth decay. SDF has been proven time after time that works well with people who don’t like having dental work done or are afraid of dentist visits.
How is Silver Diamine Fluoride Applied?
Remove any excess liquid from the brush with a damp cloth and then apply it to the plastic dampened dish’s edge. Apply the SDF directly to only the tooth surface that is damaged. To minimize systemic absorption, remove any extra SDF with a gauze pad, cotton roll, or cotton pellet.
Silver diamine fluoride is applied as a liquid and takes about 10 minutes for SDF to work its way into the teeth. Afterward, you should be able to find relief from tooth sensitivity quickly. As always with this type of chemical solution, it’s important to discontinue use if side effects occur or persist more than 24 hours after using SDF. Most people notice an improvement in their sensitive teeth within one week of starting SDF treatments.
Once SDF is applied to tooth enamel, it forms a kind of barrier that halts the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. SDF also helps neutralize plaque acid and regenerate lost minerals, allowing teeth to strengthen. SDF can also reduce pain from exposed dentin, allowing you to eat and drink without the discomfort you previously experienced. However, SDF won’t stop new caries from developing on top of existing ones or remove old stains caused by tetracycline antibiotics. That requires ongoing dental care with refinements for cosmetic purposes handled by dentists trained in cosmetic treatments.
SDF is most effective when paired with ongoing preventive treatment involving fluoride varnish applications at home or sealants applied by your dentist or hygienist to the chewing surfaces of your teeth. SDF doesn’t treat tooth decay that’s already present, but it can help prevent new caries from forming on top of old ones by halting additional cavity-causing bacteria. SDF is an essential tool for restoring teeth to health and helping manage tooth pain caused by exposed dentin. SDF isn’t just another dental treatment for people with sensitive teeth — it’s a crucial weapon in the fight against cavities.
