We believe in prevention-first dentistry with treatments that support long-term oral health while preserving your natural tooth structure.
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is one of the most effective tools we use to stop tooth decay without drilling. This is especially helpful for children, elderly patients, or anyone who wants to avoid traditional fillings.
We offer both traditional silver diamine fluoride and a new, non-staining option called Curodont Repair Fluoride Plus from vVARDIS. These advanced therapies allow us to treat early-stage cavities with minimal intervention.
Summary: Silver diamine fluoride is a non-invasive treatment that stops early tooth decay without drilling or anesthesia. It preserves natural tooth structure and helps prevent cavities from progressing, making it ideal for children, seniors, and anyone hoping to avoid traditional fillings. A non-staining alternative, Curodont Repair Fluoride Plus, is also available and supports enamel regeneration for a more aesthetic, conservative option.
We offer silver diamine fluoride and Curodont at our dental office in Boulder, CO.
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Silver diamine fluoride is a colorless liquid that combines the antimicrobial properties of silver with the enamel-strengthening abilities of fluoride. It is applied directly to areas of decay to halt the progression of cavities without the need for drilling or anesthesia. While highly effective, traditional SDF causes dark staining on the treated areas.
This minimally invasive treatment is especially useful for:
- Treating small cavities in non-visible areas
- Elderly patients who may not tolerate traditional dental procedures
- Pre-cooperative children with early-stage decay
- Patients seeking to delay or avoid restorative dental treatments
By arresting decay and reducing bacterial growth, SDF supports long-term dental health and allows us to avoid more invasive procedures when appropriate.
A Non-Staining Alternative: Curodont Repair Fluoride Plus
Curodont Repair Fluoride Plus is a clear, fluoride-based treatment designed for early-stage tooth decay, specifically non-cavitated enamel lesions—areas where the enamel has begun to weaken but no cavity has formed.
Its proprietary formula diffuses into the lesion and, with the help of calcium and phosphate from saliva, promotes targeted remineralization.
This process helps preserve natural tooth structure by supporting the body’s ability to repair early damage before a filling is needed. Curodont does not contain silver and does not stain the tooth, making it a more aesthetic option than traditional silver diamine fluoride
Curodont may be recommended for patients who are:
- Concerned about visible staining from traditional SDF
- Diagnosed with early enamel lesions that have not yet progressed to cavities
- Hoping to avoid drilling and preserve natural tooth structure
- Interested in conservative, science-supported dental care
This treatment is a great fit for children and adults alike who want to stop early decay while keeping their smile intact and treatment minimally invasive.
What To Expect During SDF Treatment
Silver diamine fluoride treatment is fast, safe, and pain-free. Here is what you can expect:
- Evaluation: We will assess the extent of decay and determine if SDF or Curodont is the right solution for your case.
- Application: The area is cleaned and dried, and the solution is applied using a small brush.
- Sealing (optional): In some cases, we may place a fluoride varnish over the treated area to protect it and enhance effectiveness.
- Follow-up: We may schedule future dental visits to monitor the area and ensure the decay remains arrested.
The entire process typically takes only a few minutes per tooth and does not require numbing or drilling.
What To Expect During Curodont Treatment
Curodont Repair Fluoride Plus is a targeted, non-invasive treatment for early-stage enamel lesions. It works by helping your tooth repair itself, before a cavity forms.
Here’s how the process typically works:
- Evaluation: We first assess the area of concern to ensure it’s an early enamel lesion that has not yet progressed into a full cavity.
- Cleaning and drying: The tooth is gently cleaned and dried to prepare the surface for treatment.
- Application: The Curodont solution is applied directly to the weakened area of enamel. Its proprietary formula diffuses throughout the lesion and, together with calcium and phosphate from your saliva, promotes targeted remineralization.
- Sealing (optional): A fluoride varnish may be applied afterward to help protect the area and support continued enamel repair.
- Monitoring: We will schedule follow-up visits to evaluate the area and determine if further treatment is needed.
This painless, drill-free procedure helps preserve your natural tooth structure while stopping early decay in its tracks.
Benefits of Silver Diamine Fluoride
Choosing SDF or Curodont as part of your preventative measures offers multiple benefits:
- Stops decay without removing tooth structure
- Supports oral hygiene and reduces bacterial load
- Minimizes the need for fillings or other restorative work
- Reduces dental anxiety for patients who fear drills or needles
- Excellent for high-risk patients, including young children and seniors
- Cost-effective and efficient treatment option
When Is SDF Recommended?
At Broda Family Dental, we tailor all dental treatments to the unique needs of each patient. SDF may be recommended when:
- Cavities are small and in hard-to-reach or non-visible areas
- A patient has difficulty tolerating traditional dental care
- There is a desire to delay or avoid invasive dental procedures
- The tooth is not yet sensitive or painful
While SDF is not a replacement for fillings in all situations, it is a valuable part of a modern, minimally invasive dental care plan.
SDF vs. Traditional Fillings
While both treatments aim to manage tooth decay, silver diamine fluoride and traditional fillings differ significantly in their approach, time, cost, and cosmetic outcomes.
| Feature | Silver Diamine Fluoride | Traditional Fillings |
|---|---|---|
| Invasiveness | Non-invasive, no drilling or removal of tooth structure | Invasive, requires drilling to remove decayed enamel and dentin |
| Anesthesia Needed | No | Yes |
| Treatment Time | Usually 1–2 minutes per tooth | Typically 20–45 minutes depending on the size and location of the cavity |
| Cost | Lower; fewer materials and less chair time | Higher; more materials, time, and technique involved |
| Stains Tooth | Yes (except Curodont) | No |
| Tooth Preservation | Maximum; preserves all existing tooth structure | Partial; some healthy tooth structure is usually removed |
Gentle Dentistry, Thoughtfully Delivered
Our approach at Broda Family Dental is rooted in integrity, science, and compassion. By offering fluoride varnish applications, SDF, and regenerative options like Curodont, we give our patients access to the best that modern preventive dentistry has to offer. Our goal is always to help you maintain excellent oral health while minimizing discomfort, cost, and long-term risk.
Key Takeaway: Silver diamine fluoride stops early decay without drilling, making it an excellent option for children, older adults, and patients who may not tolerate traditional procedures. For cases of early decay, Curodont Repair Fluoride Plus offers a non-staining alternative that helps repair weakened enamel using advanced peptide technology—allowing early decay to be treated before it becomes a cavity.
Insurance and Membership Options
We are in-network with Delta Dental Premier, Cigna DPPO Plus, Anthem, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, and we also accept patients with out-of-network benefits. For those without dental insurance, our in-house membership plan offers an affordable option for routine care.
Our office proudly serves Boulder and the surrounding communities of Superior, Louisville, Lafayette, Longmont, and Erie.
To book an appointment at our dental office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 442-6141 or visit us at 777 29th St, Unit 300 Boulder, CO 80303.
Faqs
What is silver diamine fluoride used for?
Silver diamine fluoride is used to stop the progression of early tooth decay, especially in areas where a traditional filling may not be necessary or practical. It’s often applied to small cavities or early enamel lesions to slow or halt decay without drilling, helping preserve the natural tooth structure.
Does silver diamine fluoride stain teeth?
Yes, traditional silver diamine fluoride stains decayed areas black as it arrests the cavity. This staining is limited to the damaged part of the tooth and does not affect healthy enamel. For patients concerned about appearance, we offer Curodont Repair Fluoride Plus, a clear, non-staining alternative for early decay.
Is silver diamine fluoride safe for children?
Silver diamine fluoride is considered safe for children and has been widely studied for its use in pediatric dentistry. It is approved by the FDA for reducing tooth sensitivity and used off-label to slow or stop cavities in baby teeth. The amount of silver and fluoride used is very small and applied only to specific areas, minimizing any risk of systemic exposure. For children who are not ready for traditional fillings, SDF offers a safe, effective, and stress-free way to manage early decay.
Can adults get silver diamine fluoride treatment?
SDF is also a great option for adults and seniors, especially those who prefer to avoid more invasive procedures. It supports oral health by controlling decay and maintaining natural tooth structure.
How long does silver diamine fluoride last?
The protective effects of SDF can last several months or longer, depending on factors like oral hygiene, diet, and cavity risk. Routine dental cleanings and follow-up visits help ensure continued effectiveness.
Is SDF a replacement for fillings?
SDF can delay or prevent the need for traditional fillings when used early. However, for larger cavities or areas where appearance is a concern, a filling may still be necessary.
Is SDF treatment painful?
Not at all! SDF is a topical liquid and does not require drilling, numbing, or anesthesia.
Will dental insurance cover silver diamine fluoride?
Some insurance plans may cover SDF, particularly when used on a baby tooth or as a preventive option in pediatric care. We are happy to check your benefits and explain your coverage before starting treatment.
How much does silver diamine fluoride treatment cost?
SDF is a cost-effective alternative to fillings. At our office, the cost is $80 per tooth—typically about one-third to one-fifth of what you would pay for a traditional filling. This affordable treatment can help prevent cavities from progressing, avoiding the higher costs of more involved dental procedures later on.
