Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is the next generation material for stopping cavities from growing, and for helping to prevent new ones from forming.
What is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
SDF is an FDA-approved colorless liquid comprised of Sliver and Fluoride, that works to fight cavities. It has been used in Japan for over 40 years, and has been in use more and more in the United States in recent years.
Why treat with SDF?
The advantage of SDF is that we can treat cavities on very young children who are too anxious to sit for a filling.
Limitations of SDF
The drawback of using SDF is that it will permanently stain the cavity on the tooth; that being said, the stain can be removed with a traditional restoration when the child is older and more able to tolerate dental treatment. The other important factor to note is that when a child has a very large or very deep cavity, a traditional filling will need to be used, as SDF is not effective against advanced cavities.