SILVER DIAMINE FLUORIDE

Silver Diamine Fluoride is an antibiotic liquid.SDF is used on cavities to help stop tooth decay and it can also be used to treat tooth sensitivity. Multiple applications may be necessary. It has been used for many years in other countries with great success and newly available in Canada in 2017..

• Treatment with SDF does not eliminate the need for dental fillings or crowns to repair function or extraction, however for our clients in long term care, it may be the next best option.
• Those individuals who are allergic to silver, or have painful sores on any gum tissue (for example, ulcerative gingivitis), or sores anywhere in the mouth (for example, stomatitis), should not have any application of SDF.

Benefits of receiving SDF:

• SDF can stop tooth decay and decrease the chance of new lesions.
• Silver Diamine Fluoride can relieve sensitivity.

Risks related to SDF include, but are not limited to:

• The affected area will stain black permanently. Healthy tooth structure will not stain. Stained tooth structure can be replaced with a filling or a crown if appropriate.
• Tooth-colored fillings and crowns may also discolor if SDF is applied to them. Normally this color change is temporary and can be polished off.
• If accidentally applied to the skin or gums, a brown or white stain may appear that causes no harm, cannot be washed off, and will disappear in 1-3 weeks.
• A metallic taste. This will go away rapidly.
• If tooth decay is not arrested, the decay will progress which can result in teeth fracturing off.
• Every reasonable effort will be made to ensure the success of SDF treatment. There is a risk that the procedure will not stop the decay and no guarantee of success is granted or implied.

Some alternatives to SDF are:

• No treatment, which may lead to continued deterioration of tooth structures and cosmetic appearance. Symptoms may increase in severity.
• Depending on the location and extent of the tooth decay, other treatment may include placement of fluoride varnish, a filling or crown, extraction, or referral for advanced treatment modalities.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will be happy to provide further information so you are able to make an informed choice.