What is silver diamine fluoride?
How does SDF work?
Does SDF replace fillings or crowns (restorative dentistry)?
So, when is SDF recommended?
very young children who cannot be expected to cooperate for fillings
children with special medical needs
children with extensive decay (severe early childhood caries)
SDF is beneficial in that it is:
noninvasive
quick and painless
effective caries prevention
may arrest (stop) decay
may relieve sensitivity
One of the most important things for parents to consider with SDF treatment is that ANY DECAYED AREAS WILL STAIN BLACK. Healthy tooth structure will not stain. Stained tooth structure MAY be able to be covered when appropriate at a later time with a filling or crown.
If SDF touches the gums or skin, a temporary brown stain may appear that cannot typically be washed off. Any soft tissue or skin staining usually resolves in 1-3 weeks.
The child may notice a metallic taste that will go away rapidly.
Despite very good success rate of caries arrest, SDF may NOT arrest decay in every case and no guarantee of success is suggested. The decay may progress and further treatment such as additional SDF applications, filling, crown or extraction may be indicated.