Curodont™ VS Silver Diamine Fluoride for Cavity Treatment
November 5, 2025
That bit of decay your dentist found doesn’t always mean you’ll need a filling. Modern dentistry now offers non-invasive ways to stop or even reverse early decay, and two of the most promising options are Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) and Curodont™.
Both treatments can help protect your tooth and prevent drilling, but they work in different ways and have different outcomes when it comes to appearance, cost, and long-term results.
Understanding Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)
Silver Diamine Fluoride has been used for years as a proven way to stop tooth decay. It combines silver, which kills bacteria, with fluoride, which hardens weakened tooth structure. It’s quick, affordable, and effective, arresting cavities in about 80% of cases.
However, there’s a well-known tradeoff: the treated area turns permanently black. This staining is a natural result of the silver reacting with decayed tissue (similar to how silver jewelry tarnishes). While the tooth remains strong and the decay stops, the color change can be noticeable, especially on front teeth.
For that reason, SDF is often best suited for:
- Baby teeth that will eventually fall out
- Hidden areas or back molars where appearance isn’t a concern
- Patients with severe dental anxiety or medical conditions that limit treatment options
- Emergency cavity stabilization
Understanding Curodont™
Curodont, on the other hand, represents a newer, biologically based approach. It uses a self-assembling peptide called P11-4 to guide natural enamel regeneration. Once applied, this peptide forms a microscopic scaffold inside the early cavity, encouraging the tooth to rebuild lost minerals from saliva, effectively healing itself.
Unlike SDF, Curodont doesn’t stain the tooth, and the treated area often blends seamlessly with the surrounding enamel. It’s comfortable, noninvasive, and best for early decay caught before a cavity becomes deep.
Curodont is ideal for:
- Permanent teeth (children and adults)
- Visible surfaces where aesthetics matter
- Early enamel lesions detected during checkups
- Patients who prefer to preserve natural tooth structure
Comparing the Experience
Curodont
Takes a little longer, about five minutes to allow the gel to penetrate the enamel, but there’s no taste, discomfort, or color change. You leave the appointment looking just as you arrived.
SDF
Applied with a brush, it takes just a few minutes. The taste is slightly metallic, and over the next day or two, the treated area darkens as the silver reacts.
Cost and Longevity
Curodont
Curodont costs more initially, but it typically requires only one treatment. Because there’s no staining, there’s no need for cosmetic correction later on.
SDF
SDF tends to cost less upfront, but it often needs to be reapplied every 6–12 months. Over several years, that can add up, especially if cosmetic solutions (like veneers) are later used to cover the discoloration.
Beyond Cavity Control: Strengthening Teeth
Curodont
An added benefit of Curodont is that it can help remineralize not just the decayed area, but also nearby healthy enamel, strengthening your tooth’s overall resistance to future decay.
SDF
SDF, by contrast, primarily affects the damaged area. It halts decay effectively but doesn’t reinforce surrounding enamel.
Why Both Have a Place in Modern Dentistry
It’s not about one being “better” than the other. It’s about matching the right solution to the right situation.
Curodont
Curodont offers an exciting alternative for patients who value aesthetics and long-term natural tooth preservation.
SDF
SDF remains an excellent, evidence-based choice when quick, inexpensive, or minimally involved care is needed, especially for young children or medically complex patients.
Both treatments move dentistry forward by focusing on prevention and preservation rather than drilling and filling.
Choosing What’s Right for You
When deciding between SDF and Curodont, consider:
- Is the cavity visible when I smile?
- How long do I want the treated tooth to last?
- Does cosmetic appearance matter to me?
- What’s my comfort level with re-treatments?
Your dentist can help you weigh these factors and choose the approach that best fits your needs, lifestyle, and goals for your smile. At Potomac Dental Centre, we’re proud to offer both options, because every smile deserves personalized care and the best that modern dentistry has to offer.