A mighty cavity-fighter in a small bottle: Exploring the value and power of Silver Diamine Fluoride in 4 FAQs
The Art of Dentistry often renders treatment unnecessary. Dr. Moosa Dalwai and our talented team members partner with individuals and their families from across the Lilburn, Georgia, area. With regular visits, we protect their teeth from damage caused by the likes of tooth decay. Silver Diamine Fluoride may sound like a curious term, but it is simply a powerful ally in our pursuit of cavity prevention. SDF can be easily incorporated into routine dental check-ups to keep patients’ teeth strong.
What makes SDF different from “regular” fluoride?
Great question! The fluoride that you may know is a natural mineral. It is present in trace amounts in water and some foods. It can also be fortified in a range of consumer goods, from food and beverages to oral and health care products such as toothpastes. Fluoride supplements at the dentist’s office may be suitable for young patients with developing teeth. Fluoride therapy helps to prevent the loss of minerals. These minerals keep dental structure strong by retaining its protective enamel covering. SDF is fluoride that has been specially formulated with silver particles, water, and ammonia to increase its tooth-strengthening and cavity-fighting ability. The silver aids in killing harmful bacteria, while the water and ammonia help to stabilize the solution. So, the fluoride and silver can work as intended to prevent cavities or stop the spread of active decay.
Who is a good candidate for SDF?
Many patients of all ages can benefit. SDF is a particularly powerful preventative tool for our pediatric patients because we can intervene with potential problems as their teeth are still developing. SDF can also be applied to already damaged or eroded areas of the teeth, so we can get patients at every life stage back on the road to better oral health.
How is SDF applied?
Effortlessly! SDF may come in a small bottle and only require one drop, but it is mighty. A little goes a long way. Dr. Dalwai will paint the liquid solution on the teeth that need to be treated with a small brush. Once the SDF has dried, patients rinse with water. It’s really that simple. There is no special preparation that is required. It is painless. In fact, SDF puts the brakes on sensitivity associated with enamel erosion. No anesthetic is needed for comfort.
What are the benefits of SDF?
In addition to the positive characteristics mentioned above, our patients appreciate that the application of SDF is conservative. It is also a non-invasive and affordable alternative to many treatments. Preventative care is generally less expensive and less aggressive than treatments that are recommended to resolve existing damage. Dr. Dalwai also expertly applies the SDF, and because the formula is tinted, he can easily control and target damaged areas.
The benefits of SDF are well-established; it has been used for more than 80 years and has a more than 90% success rate in arresting decay when applied two times per year (during regular check-ups). While the safety of fluoride supplements on their own is also well-demonstrated, especially when overseen by qualified dental professionals, patients from across the Lilburn, GA, area also appreciate that the fluoride and silver content is well below the safety thresholds established for conventional varnish products and municipal water supplies. In fact, we may even safely combine SDF with other varnishes or topicals.
Give The Art of Dentistry team a call today at (470) 570-9699 to find out more and to schedule a check-up.
