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Silver Diamine Flouride (SDF)Untreated decay in young children continues to be a pressing issue in the U.S. and around the world. Treating young children and special need patients in a hospital setting using general anesthesia is a common scenario needed to conduct surgical restorative treatments. The cost for these accommodations is disproportionately high, especially in less-affluent areas where rates of dental surgery are higher compared to those from more affluent communities.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD, 2017) recently published guidelines for the Use of Silver Diamine Fluoride for Dental Caries Management in Children and Adolescents, Including Those with Special Health Care Needs. In the guidelines, the AAPD supports the use of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) to help stop cavities from progressing in children, adolescents, and special needs patients. |
Things to know about SDF:
Source: AAPD 2017 Guidelines for SDF
- AAPD supports the use of 38% SDF that may stop of the progression of cavities in primary teeth.
- SDF has a caries lesion arrest rate up to 70%. SDF use is a pre-restorative step that requires additional restorative treatment (e.g. composite restorations, sealants, etc.) as soon as possible. SDF should not be used for long-term treatment.
- No toxicity or adverse events associated with SDF use have been reported.
- The main undesirable effects of SDF is its esthetic results (i.e., permanently blackens enamel and dentinal caries lesions and creates a temporary henna-appearing tattoo if allowed to come in contact with skin.) Skin pigmentation is temporary since the silver does not penetrate the dermis.
- SDF permanently stains most surfaces (eg. counters, clothing, etc.) with which it comes into contact.
- SDF is an effective and inexpensive means of arresting cavitated caries lesion in primary teeth.
SDF can offer a new option for children and special needs patients younger than 3 years, who do not want to undergo repeated and lengthy use of general anesthetic and sedation drugs during surgeries or procedures. To learn more about SDF please click here to be directed to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry website.
AAPD Guidelines for the Use of Silver Diamine Fluoride for Dental Caries Management in Children and Adolescents, Including Those with Special Health Care Needs
| AAPD Guidelines for the Use of Silver Diamine Fluoride for Dental Caries Management in Children and Adolescents, Including Those with Special Health Care Needs |