Silver Diamine Fluoride Recovery
A no-drill way to stop a cavity in its tracks. Here’s what to expect, including the staining that’s meant to happen.
The Full Guide
A liquid that acts like a "pause button" on a cavity. It kills the bacteria causing decay and hardens the affected area, stopping or slowing the cavity from growing, without any drilling or numbing.
Often used for young kids, very sensitive teeth, or as a bridge until a patient is ready for a full filling, Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) buys time and stops active decay without a drill, especially valuable for a child who isn't ready to sit through a filling yet.
Want to know if SDF is a good option for your child? Book a consultation and we'll talk it through.
No special prep needed.
No numbing needed for this procedure.
The tooth is dried and isolated, and the liquid is painted directly onto the area of decay with a small brush. It's allowed to absorb for about 10–60 seconds, then any excess is wiped away with gauze or cotton.
No numbness, no pain. You may notice a mild metallic taste. If SDF was paired with fluoride varnish at the same visit (common), avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes; SDF on its own has no eating restriction.
The treated spot will turn black or dark brown over the next 24–48 hours. Permanently. This is expected and is actually a sign it worked, not new decay. If it's a baby tooth, the permanent tooth that replaces it will not be stained. We'll typically reapply SDF every 3–12 months on watched areas for best results. SDF isn't a restoration. It arrests decay but doesn't rebuild lost tooth structure, so the tooth may still eventually need a filling or crown.
you notice new pain or swelling in the treated tooth, or gum irritation that doesn't improve within 48 hours.
A note on this guide: this is general guidance. Your treating doctor's specific instructions for your individual case always take priority over anything written here. If something feels off or you're unsure, call us. Don't wait it out.
Pediatric dentistry care
Questions about your recovery?
We're always happy to talk through anything that feels uncertain. Never hesitate to call.