Silver Diamine Fluoride: A New Frontier in Caries Treatment
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
How Does Silver Diamine Fluoride Work?
Using SDF for Caries Treatment and Prevention
As an effective treatment method for halting caries progression, silver diamine fluoride is highly trusted. Silver and fluoride combine to provide protection to the enamel and thus assist in preventing decay. This enables silver diamine fluoride to be a solution of choice in modern dentistry for conserving tooth structure.
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
It’s an approved liquid antibiotic used in dental clinics to stop active tooth decay and keep it from getting worse. While removing the damaged area and placing a filling is typically the preferred method, this non-invasive option can effectively arrest the problem—making it particularly useful for young children with baby teeth.
SDF tooth treatment helps stop cavity progression but doesn't take the place of procedures that restore a tooth's shape or function—such as fillings, crowns, or root canals. The procedure has three primary steps:
- Silver – available for use against bacteria.
- Fluoride – used for the fortification of enamel and restoration of the teeth.
- Ammonia – guarantees accuracy of the solution's stability.
This caries treatment is very effective for young children, elderly persons, or individuals with disabilities for whom other methods are unavailable or postponed. The primary drawback is its potential to make the decayed area turn black after use.
SDF in Dentistry
As for this approach, it does exceptionally well for children that need a softer, more guided approach like those with special needs or those that struggle to sit still for long procedures. The benefits of SDF dental treatment include:
- non-invasive;
- painless;
- rapid treatment;
- strong caries protection;
- cavity control;
- minimized tooth sensitivity.
However, one drawback is that the treated areas will darken, which may be a concern when used on visible teeth like those in the front. While this dental care is effective at stopping decay, it doesn’t restore the tooth’s shape, making it an adjunct—not a replacement—for restorations like fillings or crowns. It's also not recommended for deeper cavities needing advanced treatment. Even so, SDF in dentistry plays an important role in minimally invasive care, particularly for patients who can't undergo standard procedures.
How Does Silver Diamine Fluoride Work?
Silver diamine fluoride acts as an antiseptic, a remineralizer, and a protective shield. The silver component contained in SDF for cavities inhibits bacteria responsible for tooth decay by rupturing their cell membranes which consequently stops their reproduction. This method effectively halts the progression of decay from its fundamental origin.
Once SDF is applied, cavities begin to fill with minerals forming a dark, protective layer on the surface of the tooth. This cap not only ceases the further progression of decay, but also acts as a barrier to shield bacteria from penetrating additional layers. Moreover, the antimicrobial and remineralization properties of SDF continues to protect the cavity long after its application.
Ammonia is included in the formulation to help stabilize the solution as the treatment must remain active and potent over extended periods of time. It is this combination of silver, fluoride and ammonia that contributes towards the success of this novel therapy aimed in preventing and treating dental caries.
Using SDF for Caries Treatment and Prevention
Why do NYC dentists opt for silver diamine fluoride treatment? With no drilling involved, this treatment method is said to halt the progress of cavities—with extensive research, particularly among younger and older patients, validating its efficacy.
The remedy is applied directly to the afflicted area using a brush, or microbrush. The procedure is quick and painless, taking just a few minutes. After application, the SDF solution annihilates bacteria, halts any further destruction to the tooth, and remineralizes the enamel to contain the cavity.
Moreover, SDF for teeth can be applied preventively to vulnerable areas such as fissures and tooth roots, and used temporarily until a definitive restorative filling is provided. It is also beneficial for patients with xerostomia or those on active orthodontic treatment, as these factors increase the risk of developing dental caries.
As part of modern minimally invasive dentistry, silver diamine fluoride treatment does not entirely eliminate the need for conventional practices. Rather, it provides an effective option—or temporary solution until a permanent restoration is completed. The increasing global adoption of SDF in the treatment and prevention of cavities stems from its proven effectiveness and simplicity.
