Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment

What is silver diamine fluoride?

Silver diamine fluoride is a substance used to stop dental cavities from progressing. It has been available in other parts of the world for several decades. The product was approved for use in the United States by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014. The colorless liquid is applied directly to the tooth or teeth that have cavities. The biggest advantage of using silver diamine fluoride, particularly for children, is the person keeps the tooth; it does not have to be removed.

Silver diamine fluoride is not a sealant. Instead, silver diamine fluoride creates a seal over an existing cavity. Silver has antibiotic properties and fluoride helps strengthen teeth. Sealants are applied to children’s teeth to protect them from cavities. Ask our staff at Cedar House Family Dentistry for more information and or to schedule an appointment to see if you are a candidate for SDF.

How is silver diamine fluoride applied?

The biggest advantage to using silver diamine fluoride is the ease and speed of the treatment. Here are the steps:

• The tooth or teeth are cleaned to ensure there is no debris that will get caught under the product.

• Depending on the practice and the patient, the practitioner may apply special coating to the lips and skin around the mouth, to keep the product from staining them.

• Protective ointment is applied to the gums around the affected tooth and gauze or cotton rolls will isolate the tooth or teeth from the gums and inside of the mouth.

• The practitioner then uses a very fine brush or applicator to apply the liquid to the tooth surface, being careful to remove any that touches the gum or any other tissue.

• Ideally, the process should take about one full minute, although it can be for a shorter period if the patient finds it hard to manage.

• The practitioner aims a gentle spray of compressed air, for about three minutes, to dry the area. 

The practitioner may apply a varnish treatment on all the teeth.

There should be a follow-up visit 2 to 4 weeks after the treatment. Dr Jhangiani will examines the teeth and may decide to apply more silver diamine fluoride. Alternatively, the product can be reapplied twice a year until the cavity is fixed or the tooth is restored.

What can I expect after silver diamine fluoride?

You may notice your cavities are now stained black. This is normal. If you see the stain on your skin or gums, it will wear off in 1 to 3 weeks.

Before you leave the office, you should have an appointment for a follow-up visit so Dr. Jhangiani can see if the silver diamine fluoride is working. If not, you might have a repeat application. If all looks well, we will recommend and possibly schedule you for repeat applications, which is usually twice a year.