Pros of Silver Diamine Fluoride :

Like most treatments, SDF isn't a perfect miracle. Silver diamine fluoride has both pros and cons. Note that it's not a substitute for a more definitive restorative treatment. It's intended as a minimally invasive treatment intervention in pediatrics, the elderly, and those who cannot access and/or tolerate care. Some very positive aspects of SDF include the following:

• Various settings use SDF, such as traditional dental offices, public health clinics, daycare centers, and nursing homes. It's also a good option for people who have difficulty accessing or receiving conventional care.

• As an inexpensive and small treatment, SDF is affordable to most people and dental practices. No expensive tools or heavy equipment are needed. All a facility needs is a small bottle of this solution to take advantage of its full benefits! According to Health Affairs, while a traditional restorative treatment for tooth decay can cost hundreds of dollars, the amount of SDF needed for one person's treatment is only ninety-one cents! Its affordability makes it an excellent option for people who don't have dental insurance or the ability to pay out-of-pocket for an expensive treatment.

• SDF is safe and effective for many demographics but is extremely useful for treating tooth decay in baby teeth as a minimally invasive procedure. This helps to save the baby tooth as a placeholder for the child's developing permanent teeth. A dental professional may also decide SDF is a good option for you if you have cavities throughout your mouth or have cavities in areas that are difficult to view (so staining won't be noticeable). What's more, an article published in the Journal of the California Dental Associationnotes that SDF is second only to sealants as the most effective primary prevention for cavities, and sealants are 10 times more expensive than SDF and require monitoring.