Dental caries affects about one out of four children aged two through five years. Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) has been shown to be efficacious in arresting caries lesions.
Caries lesions treated with SDF usually turn black and hard. Stopping the caries process in all targeted lesions may take several applications of SDF, and reapplication may be necessary to sustain arrest.
This is a safe and effective way to slow or stop the progression of tooth decay in baby teeth without drilling or removing the tooth structure.
Please let us know if your child has a silver compound allergy, in which case SDF is not recommended for use!
What Is SDF?
- Silver kills cavity-causing bacteria.
- Fluoride strengthens the tooth and helps prevent further decay.
- The treatment is non-invasive and is often used when traditional fillings are not possible or as a temporary option until further treatment is done.
What to Expect After Treatment
- The treated areas will turn black or dark brown, which means the decay has been successfully treated. Healthy tooth structure will not stain.
- Gums near the treated area may appear slightly gray or irritated for 1–2 days. This is temporary.
- Any skin that comes into contact with SDF (such as lips or cheeks) may develop a temporary brownish stain, which will fade within 1–2 weeks.
- Avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after application to allow maximum efficacy!
Follow-Up Treatment
- SDF may be reapplied in 2–4 weeks to ensure the best results.
- In some cases, your child may still need a filling or crown later.
- The treatment does not restore the tooth shape; it simply stops decay from getting worse.
