Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) Melton

At Western Dental Hygiene we commonly use SDF to stop the progression of tooth decay and we are redefining the way tooth decay should be treated and managed.

No need for anaesthetic or drills!

What is SDF?

SDF is a liquid that is applied in two parts by painting it on with a little brush, part one the fluoride is used to add minerals to the tooth and part two silver diamine acts as an antibacterial that kills off bacteria.

It is used as a tooth decay stopping solution and stops the tooth decay progression by re-hardening the tooth affected by decay and killing the bacteria that is creating the decay on the tooth. There is no need for anaesthetic or drilling on the tooth to treat the decay.

Why apply SDF?

SDF is used to treat decay in a non-invasive, fast, affordable and pain free way. It is easily applied to the tooth surface and is a lot more comfortable than other decay treatment options.

SDF is a great treatment option for individuals who can not tolerate extensive dental treatment for decay and find this option a better alternative as it desensitises the tooth.

What are the benefits of SDF?

  • Beneficial for some geriatric, nursing home or special needs patients who may have difficulty tolerating dental treatment

  • It can prevent costly or time consuming restorative dental work

  • SDF may prevent the need for general anaesthetic in children who can not tolerate dental treatment

  • It can stop the progression of the decay and stop further tooth breakdown

  • There is no age limit for patients to be treated with SDF and no limited number of teeth

  • Can be used on anxious patients

  • Can be used on hypomineralised molar teeth

  • It is applied easily and quickly

SDF has stopped the porgression of decay in the grooves of the molar tooth. A fissure sealant can now be placed in the grooves of the tooth to protect the area and hide the stained area.

Who can’t receive SDF treatment?

  • Patients with a silver allergy

  • Patients with ulcerative gingivitis or ulcerative lichen planus

  • Patients with esthetic concerns as halted cavities will darken to nearly black

  • Decay lesions that have reached the nerve of the tooth

What are the cons?

  • The area wear the decay is will be stained black permanently, please note that this only the area where decay is forming and not the healthy part of the tooth

  • It may take multiple applications to stop the decay progressing

  • It may not stop the decay progression

  • You may require further dental work on the tooth if the decay continues to progress

The American Academy of Paediatric Dentistry recommends the use of SDF and sees it as a “minimally-invasive approach that may prevent or delay the need for more extensive and expensive procedures.”

Baby teeth with active decay that is progressing.

Baby teeth that have been treated with SDF to stop decay from progressing.

Our goal is to help prevent the number of children receiving general anaesthetic for dental treatment.

To see if SDF is a suitable treatment for yourself or your children book in with us in Melton and we can make an assessment.