Silver Diamine Fluoride in Downtown San Antonio

Not every cavity needs a filling right away. Silver diamine fluoride, or SDF, is a liquid we can brush onto a cavity to stop it from growing. It’s especially helpful for very young children, kids who find long dental visits hard, and baby teeth that will fall out on their own before long.

How does silver diamine fluoride work?

SDF combines two ingredients that each fight decay. The silver kills the germs that cause cavities, and the fluoride hardens the softened part of the tooth so it resists further damage. Together, they can arrest a cavity, which means it stops getting bigger. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) supports SDF as one option for managing cavities in children.

The most important thing to know: SDF stains the cavity black

When SDF reacts with decay, it turns the decayed part of the tooth dark brown or black. This is a sign that it’s working, and the stain is permanent on those areas. Healthy enamel around the cavity stays its normal color.

On a back baby tooth, the stain is usually hard to notice. On a front tooth, it’s more visible, and some families choose a tooth-colored covering later. We’ll show you photos of what to expect and talk it through before we use SDF, so there are no surprises.

SDF can also leave a temporary dark mark if it touches the gums, lips, or skin. These marks fade on their own within a few days to a couple of weeks.

What happens at an SDF visit

1. We clean and dry the tooth, protecting the gums nearby.
2. A tiny brush applies the liquid directly to the cavity for about a minute.
3. We rinse and your child is done. There’s no numbing and nothing to remove.

Your child may notice a metallic taste for a short while. We usually recheck the tooth at a follow-up visit, and some cavities need more than one application.

When might SDF be the right choice?

• A very young child who isn’t ready to sit for a filling.
• A small cavity where SDF can avoid the need for Sedation Dentistry or General Anesthesia for now.
• A baby tooth that’s close to falling out.
• Several cavities at once, to stop them from growing while we plan treatment.
• A child with special health needs for whom a longer procedure would be difficult.

What SDF can’t do

SDF stops decay, but it doesn’t rebuild the part of the tooth that’s already missing. Some teeth will still need Fillings or a crown later, especially if the cavity is large or affects how your child chews. SDF also isn’t used for children with a silver allergy, or for teeth with signs of infection or nerve involvement.

Is silver diamine fluoride safe for kids?

Yes, when used by a dentist on the right teeth. Only a tiny drop is needed for each tooth.

Will the black stain come off with brushing?

No. The stain is part of the arrested decay and stays as long as that tooth does. If it’s on a front tooth and bothers you or your child, ask us about covering it with a tooth-colored material.

How is SDF different from regular fluoride?

Fluoride varnish strengthens healthy enamel to help prevent cavities. SDF is a stronger treatment meant to stop a cavity that has already started.

How is SDF different from Curodont™ Repair?

Curodont™ Repair is for the earliest white spots, before the enamel has broken down, and doesn’t stain. SDF is used on cavities that have already formed, and it does stain the decayed area.

Related: Fluoride, Curodont™ Repair, Fillings, Preventive Dentistry