What is silver diamine fluoride (SDF)?
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a liquid that dentists apply to teeth to slow down or stop tooth decay. It works by killing the bacteria that cause tooth decay and hardening the softened tooth structure. SDF is often used as a conservative alternative to traditional cavity treatment because it is non-invasive and painless.
How does SDF work?
SDF kills the bacteria that cause tooth decay and hardens the softened tooth structure by releasing silver ions, which are toxic to bacteria. SDF also helps to seal the tooth surface and prevent further decay.
Who should consider SDF treatment?
- Children: We recommend SDF treatment for children because it is quick, painless, and effective. It is also a good option for children who are fearful of dental procedures.
- People with disabilities: SDF treatment is a good option for people with disabilities because it is non-invasive and does not require anesthesia.
- People who are at risk of tooth decay: We recommend SDF treatment for people who are at high risk of tooth decay, such as people with dry mouth or people who have had radiation therapy to the head or neck.
What are the benefits of SDF treatment?
SDF treatment offers a number of benefits, including:
- It is effective at stopping tooth decay. Studies have shown that SDF can stop tooth decay in up to 80% of cases.
- It is quick and painless to apply. SDF treatment can be applied in less than a minute.
- It is non-invasive. SDF treatment does not require drilling or filling teeth.
- It is relatively inexpensive. SDF treatment is much less expensive than traditional cavity treatment.
What are the risks of SDF treatment?
The only significant risk of SDF treatment is that it causes irreversible dark stains in the areas where it is applied. However, for many people, the benefits of SDF outweigh the risks.
How is SDF treatment applied?
SDF treatment is applied by a dentist during a routine dental checkup and cleaning. The dentist will first clean and dry the teeth. Then, they will apply a small amount of SDF to the affected teeth using a small brush. The SDF will then be allowed to air-dry or cured with a special light.
How long does SDF treatment last?
SDF treatment can last for several years, but it is important to have your teeth checked regularly by a dentist to make sure that the SDF is still intact. SDF may need to be reapplied if it becomes worn off or chipped.
Is SDF treatment covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover SDF treatment for children. However, it is important to check with your insurance company to see if they cover SDF and what your coverage is.
What are the alternatives to SDF treatment?
If you are not comfortable with the idea of SDF treatment, there are other alternatives available. These include:
- Traditional cavity treatment: Traditional cavity treatment involves drilling and filling the tooth. This procedure is more invasive than SDF treatment, but it does not cause staining.
- Sealants: Sealants are a thin coating that is applied to the teeth to protect them from decay. Sealants are a good option for children and people with dry mouth.
- Fluoride treatments: Fluoride treatments can help to strengthen tooth enamel and make it more resistant to decay. Fluoride treatments are a good option for people of all ages.
If you have any other questions about SDF treatment, please talk to your dentist. They can help you determine if SDF treatment is right for you and your family.
Or you can contact us today at Sbenati Dentistry to schedule a consultation and let us help you with any of your dental needs. [https://calendly.com/sbenatidentistry/interview]
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