Silver diamine fluoride is an FDA-approved, prescription-strength liquid medicine applied to teeth to help reduce tooth decay and cavities. At Restoration Smiles: Adult & Pediatric Dentistry, we perform this treatment by placing a thin layer of the liquid onto the affected tooth or teeth. The liquid is applied with a brush, swab, or tray and left on the teeth for one minute before it is wiped away. Most patients require several applications over a few weeks to notice results.

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a clear liquid that can be used to assist in preventing the formation of cavities, especially in children. SDF can strengthen your teeth and prevent cavities from forming and spreading to adjacent teeth by combining fluoride's capacity to remineralize teeth with silver's antimicrobial qualities.

How Does Silver Diamine Fluoride Work?

Silver diamine fluoride is a safe and effective way to treat cavities in children, special-needs patients, and adults with deep grooves in their teeth prone to decay. It has a low chance of causing tooth sensitivity or irritation for patients. In addition, it won’t require any restorative dentistry treatments in the future because the silver particles fill in the damaged part of the tooth. Hence, the tooth’s natural structure stays intact. 

SDF contains fluoride, which strengthens teeth by remineralizing the enamel or top layer of your teeth. Likewise, the silver in SDF fights the germs that wear down your teeth. SDF can cure tooth sensitivity in adults as well as caries in children. It accomplishes this by fortifying your dentin, the sensitive part of your tooth behind the enamel.

The Benefits of Silver Diamine Fluoride

• SDF has been well demonstrated to be effective in halting cavity formation once applied. Dentists refer to the phenomenon as caries resonance.
• SDF kills bacteria that erode tooth surfaces, preventing them from spreading to neighboring teeth.
• SDF is frequently recommended as a less painful alternative to drilling cavities. This can benefit children or people who are afraid of the dentist or unable to participate fully in dental operations, such as those with specific healthcare requirements.
• If you are too sensitive to the instruments and substances used during cavity treatments, SDF may be applicable as a cavity therapy.

If you find it difficult to schedule regular dental checkups or are nervous about cavity operations, SDF can help keep cavities to a minimum or prevent them entirely. To learn more about silver diamine fluoride, contact Restoration Smiles: Adult & Pediatric Dentistry at 2 Coolidge St Suite 202, Hudson, MA 01749, or call (508) 658-0661.