Silver Diamine Fluoride in your Restorative Process

Restorative guides to help general dentists incorporate Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) in their standard workflows.

Silver diamine fluoride is causing a quiet revolution in dentistry. It’s fast, it’s effective, and it’s well-supported by evidence. And yet, many general dentists are still leaving its full potential on the table, held back by two persistent misconceptions.

Misconception #1: SDF is only for certain patient populations

The myth: “SDF is a pediatric or geriatric tool. My patients are adults so there is no need for SDF in my clinic.”

The fact: Patients of any age can benefit from silver diamine fluoride. SDF buys time for treatment planning, and can be a meaningful part of a comprehensive treatment strategy for medically complex adults, patients with high caries risk, or anyone who needs a conservative, non-invasive option.

The association with pediatric dentistry stems largely from where SDF adoption started, but that’s a historical artifact, not a clinical limitation. Whether you’re treating a 7-year-old, a 45-year-old, or an 80-year-old, each case needs to be assessed independently. There may be days where your 30-year-old patient may need SDF applied on two lesions while your 5-year-old patient may only need a preventive fluoride varnish treatment. 

Misconception #2: You can’t restore after Silver Diamine Fluoride

The myth: “Once I use SDF, there is no need to restore anymore so I not only rob my patient of the standard recommended treatment but also lose out on income.”

The fact: You absolutely can, and in adults, you almost always should, restore after SDF. Your standard process is not eliminated, just enhanced. Both you and your patient benefit. 

For adult patients especially, restoration after silver diamine fluoride isn’t optional. It’s best practice. Here’s why:

1. Restore form and function: SDF works well but it has its limits – if it’s applied on a tooth where there is loss of tooth structure, it will do nothing to bring back the dentin or enamel. That’s where you need to step in with restorative treatment. 
2. Improve aesthetics: Dark staining of a lesion can be a real concern, especially on a permanent tooth. The good news is that you can restore right over the treatment area and return the tooth back to its pearly white glory at the end of the process. Read this blog in full to find out more and download our FREE Restorative guides😉  
3. Eliminate food traps: If SDF is applied on a deeper lesion, plaque and food accumulation will still be a concern post treatment. Restoring the tooth closes those traps and supports long-term health.

SDF and aesthetic dentistry are not mutually exclusive

This is perhaps the most important mindset shift. You SHOULD restore after SDF treatment! Silver diamine fluoride is just one of the many steps in the process and what comes after is entirely up to you and your patient. Whether your restorative material of choice is composite or glass ionomer, you can produce beautiful, lasting results, even after SDF treatment. The key is knowing how. Dr. Brian Novy, renowned lecturer, cariology professor and President of the National CAMBRA Coalition has partnered with Centrix to create practical restorative guides specifically designed to help clinicians restore confidently and aesthetically after SDF. Whether you choose composite or glass ionomer; immediate or delayed restoration, Dr. Novy outlines the process step by step so you can feel confident about incorporating SDF into your restorative treatment process.

SDF isn’t a compromise – it’s a powerful, patient-centered tool that fits perfectly into modern, aesthetic general dentistry. It’s time to let go of the myths and use silver diamine fluoride to its full potential.

Adding SDF to your toolkit is easy!

If you are ready to fully embrace the power of SDF, you need a product you can trust. SilverSense SDF is a great option if you are looking for a user-friendly solution that is cost-effective at the same time. Our precise dropper delivers exactly one 30 µL drop at a time – no mess and no waste!  The included Benda Micro applicators make it easy to precisely apply anywhere in the mouth.

Have questions or want to learn more about SilverSense SDF or silver diamine fluoride in general? Call us at 800.235.5862 or contact your Centrix Account Manager.