What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride and How Does It Work?

Silver diamine fluoride, or SDF, is a liquid that helps prevent tooth cavities from developing, expanding, and spreading to adjacent teeth. This substance comprises silver to kill bacteria, water to liquefy the mixture, fluoride to help rebuild teeth during remineralization, and ammonia to support the solution to remain concentrated for maximum effectiveness against cavity resonance.

Japan authenticated the use of SDF over eight decades ago. SDF was approved for use by the US FDA in 2014.

SDF is regarded as a class II medical device similar to pregnancy tests and condoms, indicating it only imbibes slight risks. SDF is sold in some stores for at-home use, but it is best used in dental offices.

How to Apply Silver Diamine Fluoride Solution?

The pediatric dentist in Scarsdale, NY, uses a liquid form of silver diamine fluoride -containing a minimum of 38 percent solution of SDF. The application is topical directly to the surface of the teeth.

The procedure for applying SDF is as follows:

• The affected tooth is dried, and absorbent material is placed over it to prevent saliva from moistening it.
• Moisture is eliminated from the tooth surface using a vacuum suction tool.
• The area affected by the cavity receives an application of SDF.

The dentist may also use glass ionomer, crowns, and opaquer to hide the areas affected by cavities. The use of SDF is routinely in areas affected by tooth decay. However, SDF is helpful as a preventive measure for healthy tooth surfaces.

Research reveals dentists do not need to treat cavities with fillings or modify the tooth structure before using SDF. SDF is more effective than fluoride treatments that dentists use to fortify tooth enamel and prevent cavities. In addition, SDF does not require frequent treatments over time. If fluoride treatments need four applications, most dentists suggest one SDF application annually.

Benefits of Silver Diamine Fluoride

• SDF is acknowledged as an effective measure to inhibit cavity development after formation. The pediatric dentist near me calls the process cavity resonance.
• Silver diamine fluoride treatment in Scarsdale, NY, helps kill bacteria breaking tooth surfaces while inhibiting them from spreading to adjacent teeth.
• SDF is considered more comfortable than drilling, harmful for children and adults with dental anxiety, and unable to engage in dental procedures.
• SDF is helpful as a cavity therapy for patients overly sensitive to the dental instruments and substances used when restoring cavities.
• SDF helps minimize cavities or prevent them in patients unable to schedule regular dental checkups because it requires no unique equipment and requires one application annually in a short appointment.

Cost of Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatments

The cost of SDF treatments is slightly higher than typical fluoride treatments offered by dentists at affordable prices, further reduced by insurance providers for children. However, some dental insurance providers cover SDF, or it is eligible for flexible spending from some dentists because it is a class II medical device.

Many states offer Medicaid plans to cover SDF treatments. Numerous state legislatures have proposed or are considering including SDF in Medicaid and other federal-sponsored healthcare plans.

Post-Treatment Care

After applying SDF treatment on your child’s teeth, the pediatric dentist Scarsdale, NY, uses fluoride varnish to conceal the metallic taste of silver. The varnish is sticky, and the dentist suggests your child avoid eating and drinking for at least 60 minutes after receiving SDF treatment. In addition, they must not brush their teeth before bedtime on the day of placement.

Silver diamine fluoride is a painless and safe alternative to conventional cavity drilling procedures. Dentists will not suggest silver diamine fluoride treatment for every cavity. It is not widespread and available as other treatments like fluoride varnish.

Silver diamine fluoride has proven highly successful in inhibiting the development and spread of cavities, especially in children with chronic problems. SDF is best applied by an experienced pediatric dentist who manages children appropriately. As children will need merely one SDF application annually, it reduces dental visits or anxiety in them. In addition, as the treatment is entirely painless and does not require children to restrict themselves after receiving the SDF application, and the benefits are numerous, you can prevent the spread of holes in children’s teeth by getting them an SDF application from the Scarsdale pediatric dentist.

Fluoride treatments are generally recommended for children to fortify tooth enamel. However, if you want your kid to have a more effective preventive measure against cavities, Smile Scarsdale suggests silver diamine fluoride for children’s teeth to prevent and inhibit their spread. Therefore it helps if you schedule an appointment for your child with the dental practice to avoid complications in their teeth.