Minimally Invasive Treatments

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is an antimicrobial treatment of the infection that causes tooth decay. It is a painless medicine that is painted onto a decayed lesion on a tooth. SDF can also be used to relieve tooth sensitivity. It is one of the most beneficial treatments for the prevention of cavities and spread of cavities to other teeth– it changes the biofilm of plaque in the mouth. It also helps to prevent decay caused by dry mouth.

SDF works by being absorbed into the cavity-causing bacterial cell to disrupt cellular metabolism that leads to the death of this bacteria. In other words, SDF kills the germs responsible for causing cavities. SDF will leave behind a black scar in place of the active decay- this is a visual sign that SDF has worked to stop the decay.

Many patients can benefit from SDF treatment! Children who are fearful of having dental treatment can postpone restorations, often avoiding the need for deeper sedation. Multiple cavities can be treated at the same time with SDF during a check-up appointment; this buys patients and parents time by significantly delaying decay growth. Once the source of the disease is under control, scheduling future appointments for restoration can be easily done without the fear of more extensive treatments due to bigger cavities.