Lang Dental Group is one of few practices in Rochester who uses silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to treat cavities. Here's a quick breakdown.
WHAT IS SDF?
It is a liquid that is simply brushed (or sometimes flossed) onto teeth to kill the bacteria that cause cavities to form. Using silver to treat decay is nothing new, it has been around since the 1800's and Japan has been using it for 50 years. It was cleared by the FDA to be used in the US in 2014.
WHO DO WE USE SDF ON?
Young and pre-cooperative children, special needs patients, and the elderly who cannot be treated with traditional dental care.
WHY NOT USE IT ON EVERYONE?
Traditional dentistry where we remove the cavity and replace with a permanent restoration is still the best treatment option for patients who can undergo normal dentistry.
PROS?
Very low-toxicity, inexpensive, quick, non-invasive,very well tolerated, no need for shots or drilling, arrests (AKA stops) 80% of cavities when applied 2x/year. SDF can also be used to treat hypersensitivity of teeth.
WHAT'S THE CATCH (CONS)?
When a cavity is treated with SDF, the decay will permanently turn black. When possible, a white cement (called a glass ionomer) may be placed over the dark area for esthetics and to "fill" the hole created by the cavity - this is called the "SMART technique.
*See pictures of what the tooth will look like after treated with SDF and the "Smart Technique" below.
If a white filling is not placed over the black spot, additional applications of the SDF will be needed to prevent bacteria from reforming in that area (usually 2x/year at 6-month cleaning appointment).
COSTS:
$15/tooth per application - this is usually NOT covered by dental insurance companies.
WHEN CAN IT NOT BE USED?
-If the cavity is too far advanced or if SDF treatment is not working, more traditional dentistry will be needed.
-If the tooth is painful because the cavity is near the nerve of the tooth, it is too late for SDF to be used.
-If you are allergic to silver or have active/painful ulcers in the mouth, SDF application would not be used.
*Photos of appearance of teeth after SDF was used to stop the decay:
Photo courtesy of Dr. Jeanette MacLean.
Photo showing where white cement was placed over areas where SDF was used to treat cavities
"SMART TECHNIQUE":
Photo courtesy of Dr. Jeanette MacLean.
Here is a great video showing simple application of SDF:
Any questions please feel free to email!
info@langdental group.com