Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an antibiotic liquid treatment for hypersensitive teeth, tooth decay, and cavities. SDF is a good stopgap method for young children who still have baby teeth, but future restoration may still necessary. It is considered a low-cost preventive measure to inhibit cavity and disease progression in primary and sometimes permanent teeth.
The combined ingredients of SDF form its effectiveness – the silver component kills bacteria, while the fluoride acts to prevent further breakdown of the tooth structure. It requires minimal intervention and is completely noninvasive, since it is applied with a brush.
SDF has been used around the world for some time, becoming FDA-approved in the United States in 2014. Silver compounds in dentistry have proven safe for more than 80 years on the condition that no silver allergy is present in the patient.
SDF is effective for use in teeth with healthy pulp that are free of infection and necrosis. It is an appropriate treatment for children, persons with disabilities, for those who cannot tolerate conventional dental methods, or those who have limited access to dental care and traditional restorative treatment for dental decay.
If you have any questions about general dentistry or would like to schedule an appointment with your pediatric general dentist, Dr. Michelle Kucera at Caring Tree Children’s Dentistry, give us a call today or request an appointment online below. How can we help your child smile today?