Facts to Consider

• Silver Diamine Fluoride is applied every 3 to 12 months, or as determined by the doctor.
• After SDF is placed, your child should not eat or drink for 60 minutes or have their teeth brushed until the next morning.
• Treatment with SDF does not stop the need for dental fillings or crowns to fix function or aesthetics.

Risks

• The affected area will stain black permanently (see photos at right). This means SDF is working! Healthy tooth structure will not stain.
• Tooth-colored fillings and crowns may discolor if SDF is applied to them. This can normally be polished off. The edge between a tooth and filling may be stained
• 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. 
• Your child may notice a metallic taste that will go away quickly.
• SDF will permanently stain clothes.
• SDF may not stop the decay and not every cavity can be treated with SDF.
• Your child should not be treated with SDF if: 1.) They are allergic to silver. 2.) There are painful sores or raw areas (like ulcers) anywhere in the mouth.

Alternatives to SDF (not limited to anesthesia.the following)

• No treatment – may lead to continued deterioration of tooth structure as well as increased sensitivity and/or pain. There is also risk of dental infection or abscess when decay is left untreated.
• Depending on the location and extent of tooth decay, other treatment may include placement of fluoride varnish, a filling or crown, extraction, oral sedation or general.