When the silver in SDF is applied to a tooth, it oxidizes and leaves a black stain on the damaged cavity portion of the tooth (it does not stain healthy enamel). It can also temporarily stain any tissue surfaces it contacts (for example, lips or gums). For gums and tissue in the mouth, the staining is temporary.

Does SDF stain teeth permanently?

The affected area will stain black permanently (see photos at right). This means SDF is working! Healthy tooth structure will not stain. If accidentally applied to the skin or gums, a brown or whitespot may appear that causes no harm, cannot be washed off and will disappear in one to three weeks.

Does SDF always turn teeth black?

The tooth may be sensitive when dried and during SDF application. The cavity will darken to nearly black permanently within seconds unless you choose to restore or fill the area in the future. SDF may cause short-term irritation of the gums and may temporarily stain lips, cheeks or gums, usually fading in 2-3 weeks.

How long does SDF last on teeth?

If SDF accidentally gets on the skin, tongue, gums, cheek, or lip, you will see a stain that causes no harm, like a temporary tattoo. This stain should disappear on its own within one to three weeks. Tooth-colored fillings that are exposed to SDF may change color. These may be able to be polished off.

Why does SDF stain teeth?

Photo courtesy Daniel Raether, D.D.S. SDF applied to dental decay or other tissues of the mouth, lips and skin causes significant, irreversible black staining due to formation of silver oxide. Superficial black staining of the skin and oral mucosa tends to resolve within days as epithelial cells slough off.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) Application: Evidence-Based Recommendations

45 related questions found

How do you remove SDF stains?

Do not wipe it; wiping can spread it and result in a larger stain. Instead, blot the area of any excess material, and wash the area thoroughly with soap and water, 3% peroxide, or an iodine tincture. Staining on skin will fade, like a henna tattoo. Wash operatory surfaces, instruments, and dappen dishes thoroughly.

Does SDF get rid of cavities?

SDF is a common choice amongst dentists because of its effectiveness. A study has shown that it can stop around 80% of cavities and can be applied in less than a minute. It may also be a good choice for some people with special needs such as intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Why does SDF turn teeth black?

When the silver in SDF is applied to a tooth, it oxidizes and leaves a black stain on the damaged cavity portion of the tooth (it does not stain healthy enamel).

Can SDF be reversed?

With silver diamine fluoride (SDF), it is now possible to reverse and arrest the cariogenic process, even if cavitations are present!!! This non-invasive treatment may be ideal for the indigent, nursing home residents and others who have trouble seeking traditional dental care.

Does fluoride stain lips?

The product is even tinted blue before it dries so that the clinician can easily see it during application. If the product comes into contact with the patient's tissues (lips, cheeks, and gingiva), these areas will temporarily stain dark.

Is SDF toxic?

The antibacterial properties of SDF make the treatment useful for fighting harmful bacteria in the mouth as well as between teeth and the deep pits of back teeth. Dental experts continue to use SDF because it has low toxicity levels. This is what makes the treatment safe for the use of humans, including children.

Is SDF treatment safe?

SDF has proven safe and effective in decades of use around the globe, and careful review of its use in Japan shows no adverse reactions. The biggest concern about SDF is aesthetic: the treatment turns the area affected by cavities black and can also cause mild temporary staining to skin or gums.

Why do kids get silver teeth?

It simply means that your child has tooth decay, and the dentist wanted to help protect your child's tooth. Placing silver caps on baby teeth helps preserve baby teeth until adult teeth erupt. Once adult teeth come in, the silver teeth your kids' have will no longer be present in their mouths.

How often should SDF be applied?

There's no set number of applications required for SDF to work. Most dentists only apply SDF once per year. Varnishes often need to be applied four or more times per year.

Is SDF a varnish?

Two non-invasive products - fluoride varnish and silver diamine fluoride (SDF) - which are primarily indicated for tooth hypersensitivity are also commonly used off-label to manage carious lesions at different stages in their development process.

Is it worth fixing cavities in baby teeth?

Assessing your child's cavity risk

Cavities are infections and may recommend fixing cavities on baby teeth if it is a significant infection. Cavities can pass from tooth to tooth, just like a cold. So, if you leave a cavity in a tooth long enough, your child's other teeth can start to get cavities.

What is the disadvantage of applying potassium iodine after SDF?

A significant disadvantage of SDF use, however, is black staining on teeth which can cause aesthetic concern [11]. A way that has been suggested of managing this problem is to apply a saturated solution of potassium iodide (KI) immediately after SDF application.

Does potassium iodide stain teeth?

Applying KI with SDF creates a silver iodide precipitate that is yellow, insoluble and does not cause black staining on the tooth. Application of KI does not affect or minimally affects the effectiveness of SDF in arresting caries.

Why does silver diamine fluoride turn teeth black?

When Silver Diamine Fluoride has been applied, the treated place on the tooth that has decay will turn dark (usually black). This is an indication that the decay in the tooth is arresting/remineralizing.

When do we use SDF?

SDF is used as an agent to promote the arrest and remineralisation of active carious lesions. It is effective for active dentinal lesions, teeth with exposed root surfaces causing dentinal hypersensitivity and may also be useful for permanent molar teeth with MIH as blocking the dentinal tubules may reduce sensitivity.

Do you light cure SDF?

Light curing oxidizes SDF, which precipitates the silver out of the solution and turns plastic-based fillings dark immediately. This occurs for light cured resin-modified glass ionomers just as with composite.

Does fluoride treatment stain teeth?

PROFESSIONAL FLUORIDE TREATMENTS DO NOT STAIN TEETH.

It is a misconception that fluoride treatment stains teeth as it can only happen if the teeth are still forming.

What is the black stuff dentists put on your teeth?

The liquid is called silver diamine fluoride, or S.D.F. It's been used for decades in Japan, but it's been available in the United States, under the brand name Advantage Arrest, for just about a year.

Does SDF irritate the pulp?

Adverse effects of SDF are stated to be pulpal irritation, tooth staining, tissue irritation, and fluorosis though these have not yet been well-studied.

How do you put SDF on your teeth?

Dip brush into SDF and dab on the side of the plastic dappen dish to remove excess liquid before application. Apply SDF directly to only the affected tooth surface. Remove excess SDF with gauze, cotton roll, or cotton pellet to minimize systemic absorption. Application time should be at least one minute if possible.