Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment in Dundas, Hamilton
Know About Silver Diamine Treatment
Dental caries affects every one out of four children aged around two to five years. SDF(Silver Diamine Fluoride) is one of the most effective caries management treatment plans for pediatric patients. SDF is a liquid substance that helps in the prevention of caries progression more profoundly into the tooth structure and to other teeth as well. The SDF consists of silver, ammonia, fluoride, and water. Silver with its antibacterial properties combined with fluoride’s remineralizing property can help strengthen the tooth structure. Keep reading to learn about the SDF treatment, benefits, applications, etc.
Benefits of SDF Treatment
In pediatric dentistry, SDF is helpful for arresting caries at initial stage itself. Apart from this, there are several benefits of using SDF:
- Safe : There are no such serious side effects of using SDF in primary teeth except staining.
- Painless : SDF is quick and painless solution for young children with dental anxiety. The application hardly takes a few minutes. This may be a great choice for persons with disability and special needs.
- Effective : SDF is a non-invasive and effective choice that can stop the 80% of the cavities.
- Cost- friendly : Unlike any other dental treatment, SDF treatment is budget friendly. Although the application of SDF costs may vary depending on the location of your dental office. You may even get insurance coverage, depending on which state you are in.
How does SDF work?
SDF, the colorless liquid is gradually getting acceptance as a treatment solution to prevent or to stop caries. However, before you consider SDF for your child’s caries treatment, you need to understand how it works.
On decayed teeth, specifically on primary teeth, SDF is applied with a brush. Often for back teeth, SDF may not work that well. In decayed back teeth, it is necessary to fill the large areas of decay. This will further prevent the food deposits getting accumulated.
SDF is effective against the sensitivity of adult teeth. It does so by remineralization of dentin and strengthening the dentin under the enamel.
How is SDF applied to teeth?
Unlike most of the dental filling treatment, SDF is mostly self-adhesive. There is no need to remove or modify the tooth surface. SDF is applied over the teeth within less than a minute. A perfect isolation while application is the key.
- Cotton is placed over the teeth to keep them dry.
- The vacuum or suction is used to remove the moisture.
- SDF is applied over the cavitated surface with a microbrush. The applicated may take atleast one minute.
- Air dry the tooth after application.
- Light curing is done to make sure that SDF goes deeper into the tooth structure.
FAQ
How long does SDF last on teeth?
Your dentist may apply varnish over SDF to make sure that it lasts on the teeth for longer time. The dentist will reevaluate the tooth within a month or two. After that you will be advised to visit your dentist 6-12 months interval to reapply this medication. This ensure a long-lasting effect on your teeth.
Can you eat after SDF treatment?
Usually fluoride varnish is applied over the teeth after SDF treatment. Do not eat or drink anything for half an hour after the application of SDF treatment.
How do you remove SDF stains?
SDF will permanently stain the cavitated lesion andcan also stain skin, clothes or other surfaces. Do not wipe it of. Wiping may lead to further spreading of the stain. You can blot the area with dry cotton gauze. This will remove the excess stain or can rinse the area thoroughly with soap and water. Other than this, 3% peroxide or iodin tincture is also helpful in removing stain. Even if it gets exposed to skin and lips, the stain will fade away within 2-7 days.
How often should SDF be applied?
SDF is effective for preventing caries progression. In primary teeth, SDF is effective for 3-12 months. Your dentist should reapply SDF at every 6-12 months, just to ensure that the cavity doesn’t get bigger or spread into deeper structures.