We all know how the fluoride in toothpaste helps prevent cavities in our teeth. But is there something stronger? What if you get a cavity but can’t get it drilled and filled? Treatment with silver diamine fluoride, or SDF, may help.
Beavers and Broomfield Family Dentistry offers silver diamine fluoride treatment for those who can’t have traditional treatment for cavities, such as small children or the elderly. We also use silver diamine fluoride to help adults with tooth sensitivity.
What is silver diamine fluoride, and how is it used? If you’re looking for “fluoride treatments near me,” we’ve got you covered with our restorative dentistry services!
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Silver Diamine Fluoride is a solution that remineralizes tooth enamel to strengthen it while killing the bacteria that cause cavities. It stops small cavities from growing and spreading further in the tooth or to other teeth. It can be used by children and adults, including young children ages 2-8.
Silver diamine fluoride often comes as a paste or gel that is spread over the cavity or tooth. It’s stronger than the fluoride you find in toothpaste or fluoridated water. The silver works as an antibacterial to kill the bacteria that attack and demineralize your enamel. The fluoride remineralizes the enamel.
Pros and Cons of Fluoride
There are many benefits of fluoride. It is used to strengthen the enamel of your teeth — the hard outer shell that protects the living tissue inside. Bacteria in plaque attack the minerals in the enamel, causing tooth decay. Fluoride strengthens the enamel and defends it against bacteria.
This is why brushing is so important. Not only does brushing with a fluoride toothpaste remove the plaque, but the fluoride in the toothpaste strengthens your enamel. Brushing and fluoride together help prevent tooth decay.
People can overdose on fluoride in high amounts, which is why it’s not recommended that children use fluoride toothpaste until age two and should only use a pea-sized amount until past age three. We also recommend a dental professional give you any fluoride treatments, including fluoride varnishes or special mouth rinses.
Silver Diamine Fluoride Pros and Cons
There are several benefits of fluoride treatment with SD.
- It’s safe. Studies have shown treatment with SDF has no serious side effects.
- It’s effective. SDF treatment has been shown to stop 80% of cavities from spreading.
- It’s fast. SDF can be applied in about a minute. It takes only a few minutes to prep the mouth and dry the tooth afterward.
- It prevents cavities. Silver diamine fluoride prevents cavities and stops current ones.
- It’s fairly inexpensive. SDF treatment is less expensive than filling a cavity. The average cost is about $25 a tooth.
While the treatment has a lot of advantages, SDF has side effects to consider.
- It can stain. Silver diamine fluoride can stain the cavity area it treats. The stain is usually dark brown or black and is permanent.
- It can cause gum irritation. The irritation is usually minor and disappears after a couple of days.
- It can leave a metallic taste. The silver can leave a metallic taste in your mouth. This will also fade after a few days.
- It can cause gum or tooth discomfort. In rare cases, it can cause gum or tooth pain, particularly if the patient has very sensitive teeth.
Fluoride Varnish for Adults?
We often hear about the importance of fluoride treatment for kids. It makes their teeth strong and prevents tooth decay. But what about adults? Do adults need fluoride?
The answer is a resounding YES. Wine, sodas, desserts, fatty foods, Starbucks coffees — let’s face it, we have just as much sugar in our diet as our children. That means our teeth are just as vulnerable to tooth decay. Fluoride helps our teeth just as it helps our kids’ teeth.
Adults with tooth sensitivity can benefit from silver diamine fluoride treatment. It not only strengthens the enamel but also the dentin under the enamel, reducing tooth sensitivity.
How Is Silver Diamine Fluoride Applied to Teeth?
We begin by cleaning the tooth thoroughly. Then, we dry the tooth with cotton so nothing stands between the fluoride and your tooth.
Once the tooth is dry, we use a small brush and apply the silver diamine fluoride to the cavity. We rub the gel into the cavity, then air dry and cure it so it soaks in well and works better. Once it’s dry, you’re ready to go!
It takes very little time to treat a cavity with SDF, which is why we often use it on small children and patients with special needs who can’t or won’t sit still very long. We also use it with older patients whose teeth might be too fragile for drilling to fill cavities.
How Long After Fluoride Can I Eat?
Fluoride chemically reacts with your saliva, which essentially activates the fluoride and allows it to make your enamel stronger. It takes several minutes for the fluoride to reach its full strength. That’s why we recommend waiting about half an hour before drinking or eating after fluoride treatment.
This also applies to the fluoride in your toothpaste and fluoride mouthwash. You should avoid eating or drinking water or anything else for at least half an hour after you brush. You should also wait half an hour after using fluoride mouthwash. This will allow the fluoride to reach its maximum power.
Fluoride Treatment in Fayetteville, AR
Beavers and Broomfield Family Dentistry has several ways to treat and prevent cavities and restore your smile. Silver diamine fluoride treatment can treat cavities without having to use a driller and fillers. If you’re interested in fluoride treatment in Fayetteville, AR, schedule an appointment with us!
