Cavity care isn’t one-size fits all anymore. With minimally invasive options like silver diamine fluoride (SDF), preventative tools like sealants, and restorative staples like fillings, Canadian dental professionals now have a broader toolkit to manage caries more effectively and comfortably. Choosing the right treatment not only affects clinical outcomes but also impacts cost, aesthetics, and accessibility—especially for patients navigating coverage under the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP).

Let’s break down how SDF, sealants, and fillings compare so your team can recommend the most appropriate solution with confidence.

What each treatment is designed to do

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF)

• Non-invasive agent that arrests active decay without drilling
• Ideal for pediatric, elderly, medically complex, or anxious patients
• Typically, doesn’t require freezing or drilling
• Well-suited for caries control in primary teeth or when access is limited

Dental sealants

• Flowable resin placed on molars and premolars to prevent pit and fissure decay
• Commonly used in children and teens at moderate to high caries risk
• May be eligible under CDCP for children and youth under 18
• Prevents future decay but does not treat existing lesions

Dental fillings

• Involves removing carious tissue and placing restorative material (composite or amalgam)

• Required when decay has penetrated dentin or compromised tooth structure

• Invasive but provides definitive treatment

• CDCP coverage varies depending on the tooth and extent of decay

Pros and cons: clinical and practical considerations

When to use each option: clinical scenarios

SDF: Use for early lesions, high-risk patients, or when treatment access is limited due to age, anxiety, or medical status.

Sealants: Ideal for newly erupted molars in children covered by CDCP. Emphasize prevention during routine exams.

Fillings: Necessary when decay is symptomatic, extensive, or has affected structural integrity.

Tips for educating patients and parents

Frame SDF as a safe, evidence-based option. Explain that while it stains the decay, it stops progression and often avoids drilling.

Reinforce sealants as proactive care. Parents respond well to treatments that reduce the likelihood of fillings down the road.

Clarify insurance. Help patients understand what is covered under CDCP or other plans, and explain any co-pays or exclusions up front.

Conclusion

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution for caries treatment—but there is a best-fit option for each patient. By assessing the stage of decay, patient comfort, and funding coverage like CDCP, you can offer personalized care that delivers better outcomes with less stress.

At Frontier Dental, we provide the clinical essentials to help you deliver caries care that is precise, cost-effective, and patient-friendly.

Explore our full line of caries management solutions:https://frontierdental.com/ca/en/categories