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Silver has been used for thousands of years to prevent and treat a variety of medical conditions. In addition to its use to improve wound healing, silver compounds have been used in the past one hundred years for microbial infections of the eye and mouth. About fifty years ago, researchers found the silver compound, silver diamine fluoride (SDF), to be effective in treating and preventing some dental cavities.
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Silver diamine fluoride is a colorless and odorless liquid containing water, ammonia, about 25% silver, and 5% fluoride. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given it the same approval for dental use as fluoride varnish to treat hypersensitive teeth. However, it has become more popular due to its off-label uses.
How Does It Work?
The silver in this solution kills bacteria that cause the formation and progression of dental caries that affects tooth enamel and dentin. In addition, the fluoride in silver diamine fluoride 38% solution re-mineralizes or re-hardens the enamel to repair the defect. There is also evidence that the solution may offer the same hardening benefit to the dentin if it is affected by deeper cavities.
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride Used For In Dentistry?
The current uses of SDA in dentistry include:
- Treatment of hypersensitive teeth. Tooth decay, incorrect toothbrushing technique, gingivitis, and teeth grinding can all expose the dentin of teeth. Once dentin exposure occurs, many people experience sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweets. The FDA has approved the use of SDA to desensitize these teeth.
- Help in stopping cavities from forming. SDF is especially helpful to prevent cavities in children who tend to expose their teeth to more sugars and starches. However, its use isn’t limited to children, as cavity-prone teens and adults can also benefit from SDF applications.
- Preventing the progression of small cavities. Studies confirm the effectiveness of SDF in treating small cavities. Although tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, dental decay can spread rapidly once it penetrates the enamel and reaches the underlying dentin. SDF is a conservative way to stop early decay and possibly avoid the need for a future dental restoration.
What Are The Risks Associated With It?
SDF has been shown to be effective and safe to use. The side effects are rare and mostly minor and temporary, such as:
- Mild gum irritation that resolves in a few days.
- Possible metallic taste.
- Very low occurrence of tooth and gum pain.
- Discoloration of tooth decay.
- Discoloration of gums and soft tissues that resolves.
Two precautions need consideration in the use of SDF:
- It should not be used on patients allergic to silver.
- It should not be used on large cavities that involve the dental pulp or nerve of the tooth.
What Are The Benefits Of Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatments?
Some of the many benefits of SDF include:
- Quick and comfortable. This is particularly beneficial to young children and anxious patients. No anesthetic is required, and the time required to place the solution is significantly less than having a filling placed.
- Safe. Researchers have found SDF applications to be extremely safe without any serious adverse effects.
- Effective. Studies show an 80% decrease in cavities in primary teeth with SDF applications.
Contact Us
Call us at 281-358-6330 or contact us online today to set up an appointment for an evaluation and to learn more about how you might benefit from silver diamine fluoride.
