Three Benefits of Silver Diamine Fluoride
Recently the American Association of Pediatric Dentists (AAPD) released a study on the use of Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) and how it may be used to treat hypersensitivity and decay in children and patients with special needs. It is important to note that the preferred method to treat and arrest decay is by removing the decay and taking restorative measures such as fillings or crowns, but it may be the case that these standard methods are not always readily available or viable. In these cases, SDF provides an alternative solution to slowing or stopping decay in its tracks.
Since you may be hearing of this as a treatment option, we thought it would be helpful to provide some background to improve your grasp on what it is and how and why it may be used.
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
SDF is a liquid solution comprised of silver, water, ammonia, and fluoride. The silver in the solution serves to strengthen and protect the dentin layer of a patient’s teeth, while the fluoride treats decay and prevents further deterioration from progressing. SDF is colorless and is sometimes reported to have a slightly metallic taste during treatment.
This anti-microbial liquid has been in use for years to treat hypersensitivity, but only recently did we have abundant, detailed studies available on the successful use to treat and arrest decay in children, special needs patients, and the elderly.
How Does It Work?
After the patient’s teeth are cleaned and dried, SDF is applied to teeth with a small brush one drop at a time and left to cure for roughly two minutes. The solution is applied directly to areas affected by decay and kills harmful bacteria to stop or severely slow cavities from growing and minimize further decay from progressing. This also reduces hypersensitivity by allowing the silver to add strength and protection to any exposed dentin, which is most often the cause of hypersensitivity.