Revolutionary Treatment Option For The Management of Tooth Decay
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is an antimicrobial liquid that is able to reverse and arrest cavities in a non-invasive, fast, affordable, and painless manner.
Some patients who have active tooth decay may be eligible for an alternative treatment that uses Silver Diamine Fluoride. FDA approved in 2014 and Health Canada approved in 2017. Compared to a traditional filling that requires shots of local anesthetic and drilling of tooth structure, this treatment is non-invasive and more comfortable for the patient. It is a liquid that is simply brushed on to the cavity that can stop current decay and also prevent new decay in the future. SDF has been used in Japan for more than 80 years.
Medical Ingredient: 38% Silver Diamine Fluoride (25% Silver, 5% Fluoride, 8% Ammonia). The silver ions act directly against bacteria in lesions and form a layer of silver – protein increasing tooth resistance and acid dissolving. Fluoride ion acts to prevent further demineralization and promote remineralization. SDF penetrate 25 microns into enamel and 50-200 microns into dentin.
Indication for use: Adults and children 3 years and older.
Pros:
- Stop tooth decay and help prevent recurrent decay after twice a year application and from 1 to 2-3 years.
- Secures margins of the restorations and saves existing restorations.
- Arrest root caries.
- SDF outperforms fluoride for caries arrest.
- SDF has very low toxicity.
- It is quick, painless, non-invasive, and affordable.
- No need for needles.
Cons:
- SDF permanently stains cavities black. Staining is an indicator of antimicrobial effectiveness. It does not stain healthy enamel or dentin but can temporary stain soft tissues and skin.
- SDF does not restore tooth form or function, so large holes that trap food may still eventually require a filling.
- SDF can not be used in the presence of decay into the nerve.
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