Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an antimicrobial liquid. SDF can be used to treat cavities to help stop tooth decay. SDF can also be used to treat tooth sensitivity. SDF application every six to 12 months but may be applied as necessary at a frequency determined by the dentist.
The procedure:
1. Drying the affected area
2. Placing a small amount of SDF On the affected area
3. Allowing SDF to dry for one minute.
4. Rinsing the area with water.
Treatment with SDF does not eliminate the need for dental fillings or crowns to repair function or esthetics.
Benefits of receiving SDF:
- SDF can help stop tooth decay.
- SDF can help relieve sensitivity.
Risks related to SDF include, but are not limited to:
- The affected area will stain black permanently. Health tooth structure will not stain. Stained tooth structure can be replaced with a filling or a crown.
- Tooth-colored fillings and crowns may discolor if SDF is applied to them. Color changes on the surface can normally be polished off. The edge between a tooth and filling may remain stained.
- If accidentally applied to the skin or gums, a brown or white stain may appear that causes no harm, cannot be washed off and will disappear in one to three weeks.
- You may notice a metallic taste. This will go away rapidly.
These side effects may not include all the possible situations reported by the manufacturer. If you notice other effects, please talk with your dental provider.
Patient should not be treated with SDF if:
1. Allergic to silver
2. There are painful sores or raw areas on gums (i.e., ulcerative gingivitis) or anywhere in the mouth (i.e., stomatitis).
Every reasonable effort will be made to ensure the success of SDF treatment. There is a risk that the procedure will not stop the decay and no guarantee of success is granted or implied. If tooth decay is not arrested, the decay will progress. In that case, the tooth will require further treatment, such as repeated SDF, a filling or crown, root canal treatment or extraction.
If you decide not to have the SDF application, it may result in continued deterioration of tooth structure. Symptoms may increase in severity. Alternative to SDF application include but are not limited to the following:
- Use of repeated applications of fluoride varnish or other antimicrobials to limit the progression of tooth decay
- Depending on the extent of decay, placement of a filling or crown or extraction of the affected tooth, which may require advanced treatment modalities such as sedation from general anesthesia.
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