There are several situations in which SDF treatment is an effective choice. Many of them have to do with the treatment’s low financial impact. While drilling and filling a cavity can cost a couple hundred dollars on average, treatment with silver diamine fluoride will usually cost less than $100 out of pocket, and may even be covered by your insurance! Its affordability makes SDF a great option for people on strict budgets, or who have trouble finding or accessing dental care.
In particular, SDF is a promising cavity treatment for children. Because their teeth aren’t yet permanent, the aesthetic issue of staining is far outweighed by the benefits of getting cavities treated. SDF is also a highly effective preventative measure that may stop teeth from decaying in the first place. This form of treatment is growing in popularity as a pediatric dental treatment.