Procedural
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October 23, 2026
SilverSense SDF is a 38% silver diamine fluoride solution used professionally to help arrest caries and manage dentinal sensitivity. It is supplied in a 5 mL dropper bottle, with approximately 0.03 mL per drop.
Once the client and lesion have been assessed and SDF has been selected, the application itself is straightforward.
1. Isolate, Clean and Dry
Isolate the affected tooth, then clean and dry the treatment surface.
Remove accessible plaque and debris so the lesion is visible and the site can be adequately dried.
Cotton rolls or rubber dam may be used for isolation, and the IFU also notes that petroleum jelly or cocoa butter may be used to help protect gingival tissues.
2. Dispense
Dispense 1–2 drops into a disposable Dappen dish.
Each drop contains approximately 0.03 mL, and this amount may treat up to 5 sites per client.
SilverSense has a blue tint to improve visibility i
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October 21, 2026
The caries risk assessment is complete. The lesion has been assessed. The indications point to SDF as an appropriate treatment option.
Now it is time to set up.
SDF application itself is simple, but the armamentarium around it matters. A thoughtful setup helps the clinician control the material, maintain a dry field, improve visibility and reduce the risk of unintended contact or staining.
The broader clinical workflow remains:
SCREEN. DISPENSE. ISOLATE. APPLY. PROTECT.
But once SCREEN is complete, the chairside setup begins with gathering the right armamentarium.
Start With the Setup Surface
Before dispensing SDF, think about what is sitting between the material and the operatory counter. SilverSense SDF can stain countertops, floors, instruments, clothing and skin brown or black. The Canadian Instructions for Use specifically caution clinicians to avoid spills and
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October 19, 2026
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an effective, minimally invasive option for managing active carious lesions. It is simple to apply, requires relatively little chairside time, and can be especially valuable when conventional restorative care is difficult, delayed or not immediately feasible. Evidence-based clinical guidance supports 38% SDF as a nonrestorative treatment option for appropriate carious lesions. (Slayton et al., 2018)
Yet SDF still appears to be under-integrated into routine clinical care.
The bigger question may no longer be:
“Does SDF work?”
It may be:
“Are we identifying the right clients for it?”
That is why SDF should begin with caries risk assessment — not with the bottle.
SCREEN. DISPENSE. ISOLATE. APPLY. PROTECT.
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October 25, 2024
In dentistry, effective sterilization processes are paramount to ensuring patient safety and preventing healthcare-associated infections. Traditionally, dental practices relied on manual monitoring techniques to track sterilization cycle parameters, but the landscape is shifting. Digital sterilization monitoring systems offer a more accurate, efficient, and reliable solution. This blog explores the key differences between digital and manual sterilization monitoring, highlighting why the transition to digital systems is essential for modern dental practices.
The Importance of Effective Sterilization Monitoring
Sterilization is crucial in dentistry to eliminate pathogens from equipment such as instruments and surfaces. Dental professionals have associations that provide standards and guidelines to help implement effective sterilization protocols. Accurate
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October 11, 2024
Periodontal disease, a chronic inflammatory condition affecting the supporting structures of the teeth, is primarily caused by microbial infection. While traditional mechanical therapies, such as scaling and root planing (SRP), effectively reduce bacterial load and inflammation, they may not fully eliminate the periodontal pathogens, particularly in deeper periodontal pockets. The management of periodontal disease often requires a multifaceted approach that includes mechanical debridement, patient education, and adjunctive therapies. Among these, combination therapy, mainly systemic and local antimicrobials, has gained traction as a strategy to enhance clinical outcomes.
Combination Therapy
Combination therapy is the simultaneous or sequential use of multiple treatment modalities to achieve a synergistic effect. This approach targets
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October 04, 2024
Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHX) is a widely recognized antimicrobial agent that has made significant strides in dentistry. Known for its effectiveness in combating oral pathogens, this powerful antiseptic agent is utilized for various applications in dentistry, offering numerous benefits to both patients and practitioners. In this blog, we’ll review some key uses of chlorhexidine gluconate in dentistry and how it contributes to better oral health.
What is Chlorhexidine Gluconate?
Chlorhexidine gluconate is a chemical antiseptic that is highly effective against a wide range of bacteria, fungi, and viruses. Its ability to bind to tissues and provide a prolonged antimicrobial effect makes it particularly useful in dental care. Typically available in mouth rinses, gels, and varnishes, chlorhexidine has been embraced as a vital tool for maintaining oral hygiene.
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July 12, 2024
Infection prevention and control (IPAC) is a fundamental aspect of dental practice, ensuring the safety of both clients and dental professionals. A critical component of these standards is the Point of Care Risk Assessment (PCRA), which helps dental professionals determine the appropriate PPE for various procedures and client interactions.
A PCRA is conducted before any client interaction or procedure. It involves evaluating the potential risks of exposure to infectious pathogens and determining the necessary measures to mitigate these risks. This assessment considers the client’s health status, the type of dental procedure, and the likelihood of exposure to blood, bodily fluids, and other infectious materials. The following are elements to consider during a PCRA:
Client Health Status: Assessing the client’s med
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June 14, 2024
Dental tooth whitening has surged in popularity, thanks partly to the influence of social media and selfie culture. A bright, white smile is often seen as a symbol of good dental hygiene and overall attractiveness. This article delves into the science behind dental tooth whitening, exploring the various methods and mechanisms involved.
Types of Tooth Discoloration
Before exploring the science of tooth whitening, we must understand that tooth discoloration is common. Discoloration refers to any change in the color or transparency of a tooth. There are two main categories of tooth discoloration: extrinsic and intrinsic, or a combination of both. Extrinsic stains are surface stains that occur on the outer layer of the tooth enamel and are often caused by factors such as smoking, coffee, tea, and red wine consumption. Reducing the consumption of these
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June 07, 2024
Imagine performing a delicate oral surgery or administering life-saving medication with a glove that’s as uncomfortable as a pair of shoes that’s two sizes too small. It’s not just a minor annoyance – it’s a matter of patient safety and healthcare professionals (HCPs) well-being.
But what exactly is the impact of poor glove fit on healthcare professionals? Instead, let’s focus on the positive effects of a proper glove fit. A comfortable and secure fit can improve our dexterity, reduce strain, and enhance our ability to provide high-quality patient care.
Skin Irritation and Allergic Reactions
A properly fit glove can prevent skin irritation and allergic reactions or sensitivities in several ways:
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March 29, 2024
Dental is a fundamental procedure in oral healthcare, essential for maintaining optimal dental hygiene and preventing oral diseases. Among the various tools and techniques employed in dental debridement, two prominent methods stand out: magnetostrictive scalers, and piezoelectric scalers. Understanding the differences between these two ultrasonic scalers is crucial for dental professionals to make informed decisions about their clinical practices and provide the best possible care for their patients.
Magnetostrictive scalers and piezoelectric scalers operate on distinct principles, each offering unique advantages and drawbacks. In this comprehensive comparison, we dive a little deeper into the intricacies of these two methods, exploring their mechanisms of action, applications, and the highlights and challenges associated with each.
As we embark on this exploration,
