SDF (Silver Diamine Fluoride)

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a liquid medication applied directly to areas of tooth decay. It combines fluoride, which helps strengthen enamel, with silver, which can help slow the activity of bacteria associated with cavities. SDF is applied with a small brush and takes only a moment.

SDF is not a substitute for all restorative care. In some cases, a filling, crown, or other treatment may still be needed later. Your dentist will discuss whether SDF is appropriate for your child's situation and what follow-up may be recommended.

SDF is often used for children when a filling is not the first step, or when the goal is to stabilize a tooth until further treatment can be completed. This may include very young children who are not yet ready for more involved procedures, teeth that are difficult to restore in a single visit, or situations where monitoring and delaying treatment is clinically reasonable.

Whether SDF is appropriate depends on the location and extent of decay, the child's age and cooperation level, and the overall treatment plan. We review these factors with parents before applying SDF.

One important effect of SDF is that treated areas of decay can darken, often turning brown or black. This darkening indicates that the medication has reached the affected area. It is a known and expected outcome, not a sign that something went wrong.

The discolouration is typically limited to the treated cavity area. If the decay is on a back tooth or in a less visible location, this may be less of a concern. We discuss appearance considerations with parents before treatment so you can make an informed decision.

SDF may need to be reapplied at follow-up visits depending on clinical findings. Regular check-ups allow us to monitor the treated tooth and adjust the plan as needed.