What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride, and Why Does It Turn Cavities Dark?
Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid that is brushed onto a cavity to stop it from growing, with no drilling and no shots. The tradeoff is that the decayed spot turns dark and stays that way.
As Grandville, MI pediatric dentists, we use SDF as a gentle option for some children, especially kids with several cavities at once. Parents usually have two questions for us: does it work, and why is the tooth black now?
Here's what you should know about SDF for kids.
How Silver Diamine Fluoride Stops a Cavity
SDF has two active parts. The silver kills the bacteria inside the cavity, and the fluoride helps harden the softened tooth underneath.
The calls it a minimally invasive approach that may prevent or delay more extensive procedures. Studies it reviewed found SDF stops decay in dentin better than fluoride varnish does.
Why the Treated Spot Turns Dark
The dark color is the silver reacting with the decayed part of the tooth. According to the , this black staining of treated decay is permanent.
Healthy enamel around the cavity keeps its normal color. A dark spot on a back baby molar is often hard to see, while a front tooth may be more noticeable, so we talk through the look with you first.
When Our Dentists May Suggest SDF
SDF is especially useful for children with a lot of decay or with several cavities that cannot all be treated in one appointment. It can stabilize those teeth while we plan the next steps.
It can also help a very young child who is not ready to sit through tooth-colored fillings. The ADA notes that SDF may be a reasonable choice when sedation is not desirable or available.
What Happens During an SDF Visit
The visit is short. We clean and dry the tooth, brush on a small amount of liquid and let it soak in briefly.
There is no numbing, and most kids are done in a few minutes. Some children notice a metallic taste for a while afterward.
Who Should Not Get SDF
SDF is not the right fit for every child. The says it should not be used for anyone allergic to silver or with raw, painful sores in the mouth.
Our dentists examine each tooth and review your child's health history before recommending SDF.
Follow-Up Visits Matter
One coat does not always finish the job. SDF often needs to be reapplied, so we recheck treated teeth at your child's regular visits.
If a cavity keeps growing, we may suggest a filling or a crown. We walk through those repairs in our post on treating baby tooth cavities.
How SDF Fits With Everyday Prevention
SDF treats decay that is already there, but it does not stop new cavities from forming on other teeth. Brushing with fluoride toothpaste, fewer sugary snacks and regular checkups still do most of the work.
Our post on the advantages of using fluoride explains how fluoride protects enamel every day. You can also learn how to spot a cavity at home, and see all of our pediatric dental services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child eat and drink after silver diamine fluoride?
Yes, in most cases your child can eat and drink soon after the visit, because the liquid dries quickly. If fluoride varnish is placed at the same visit, it is best to wait 30 minutes.
The American Academy of Pediatrics also notes that a metallic taste can linger for about a day, which is normal.
Will the adult tooth come in stained?
No, the permanent tooth that replaces a treated baby tooth does not come in stained. The dark color stays only on the treated spot of the baby tooth, and that tooth falls out on its normal schedule.
The American Academy of Pediatrics confirms that SDF on a baby tooth does not stain the adult tooth growing in later.
Does my child need laughing gas or sedation for SDF?
Usually not, since SDF needs no drilling and no numbing shots. Most children sit through the few minutes it takes without any extra help.
If your child needs a filling or crown later, our office offers laughing gas, oral conscious sedation and general anesthesia. We will talk through which option fits your child before any treatment.
Can SDF help if my child has many cavities?
Yes, that is one of the main reasons our dentists use it. SDF can be painted on several teeth in one short visit to slow the decay while a longer treatment plan is put in place.
This gives teeth that cannot all be filled in one appointment some protection in the meantime, and our team then plans the follow-up care.
Can SDF stain gums, lips or old fillings?
It can, but those marks are usually temporary. If the liquid touches the gums or lips, it may leave a brown or white mark that fades within a few weeks.
The American Academy of Pediatrics adds that existing tooth-colored fillings or crowns may darken for a while. Only the treated cavity keeps its dark color for good.
Talk With Us About SDF for Your Child
Silver diamine fluoride can buy a child's teeth valuable time without drills or shots. If you are curious whether it fits your child's needs, our pediatric dental team is glad to help.
Call Grandville Pediatric Dentistry today at (616) 531-3430 or request an appointment online.