About Silver Diamine Fluoride
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is an antibiotic liquid used to prevent cavities from getting worse. SDF application every 6-12 months is necessary until fillings or crowns replace the cavities. Treatment with SDF does not eliminate the need for dental fillings or crowns to repair function. SDF is applied to cavities by drying the tooth, brushing the SDF on the affected area, and letting the tooth dry.
Benefits of Receiving Silver SDF:
Risks related to SDF include but are not limited to:
Alternatives to SDF, not limited to the following:
You should not be treated with SDF if: 1) You are allergic to silver 2) There are painful sores or raw areas on your gums (i.e. ulcerative gingivitis) or anywhere in your mouth (i.e. stomatitis)
Benefits of Receiving Silver 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. Healthy tooth structure will not stain. Stained tooth structure must be replaced with a filling or crown, unless otherwise recommended by a dentist.
- 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 a filling may keep the color.
- If accidentally applied to the skin or gums, a harmless brown or white stain may appear and will disappear in 1-3 weeks.
- You may notice a metallic taste. This will go away rapidly.
- 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 this case, the tooth will require further treatment, such as repeat SDF, a filling or crown, root canal treatment, or extraction.
Alternatives to SDF, not limited to the following:
- No treatment, which may lead to continued deterioration of tooth structures and cosmetic appearance. Symptoms may increase in severity.
- Depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay, other treatment may include placement of fluoride varnish, a filling or crown, extraction, or referral for advanced treatment.
You should not be treated with SDF if: 1) You are allergic to silver 2) There are painful sores or raw areas on your gums (i.e. ulcerative gingivitis) or anywhere in your mouth (i.e. stomatitis)
