Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is an antimicrobial liquid medication used in the medical management of tooth decay. It is used to slow or stop decay AND treat dentinal hypersensitivity.
Sound Dental Care would like your consent to perform the following procedure:
- Dry the teeth in the affected area.
- Place a small amount of topical SDF liquid on visible lesions.
- Allow the teeth to dry. (optimally one minute)
- Apply fluoride varnish to cover the SDF application.
What are the benefits of SDF?
- SDF may slow or stop tooth decay.
- SDF may help relieve sensitivity.
What are some of the possible side effects of using SDF?
- The cavity and white pre-cavities will darken permanently as the decay process stops.
- Healthy tooth structure will not discolor.
- Discolored tooth structure can be replaced with a filling at a later date.
- Tooth colored fillings and crowns may discolor if SDF is applied to them. Normally this is temporary and can be polished off.
- If SDF comes in contact with skin and or/gums, temporary discoloration may occur. It typically disappears in 1-3 weeks.
- Every reasonable effort will be made to ensure the success of your SDF treatment. There is a risk that the procedure will not stop decay, and no guarantee of success is granted or implied.
- This is a treatment to stop or slow decay; however, the treatment may not prevent the cavity from growing. In that case, the tooth will require further treatment, such as a repeat SDF application, a filling or crown, a root canal or an extraction.
- Image below is provided for your familiarization with the possible outcome.
Are there alternatives to SDF treament?
The primary alternative to SDF would be an invasive restorative solution. Restorative treatment may include the placement of fillings, other restorations, or extractions.
You do have the option of forgoing SDF treatment. If you have a tooth or teeth with active decay, a decision to forgo treatment may lead to continued deterioration of the tooth structure and an undesireable cosmetic appearance.