During SDF application, which tissues should you avoid touching with the microbrush or solution?

During SDF application, which tissues should you avoid touching with the microbrush or solution?

• A. Intra- or extraoral soft tissues
• B. Enamel
• C. Dentin
• D. Gingival margin only

Answer: (A)

SDF should be applied only to the carious tooth surface, and soft tissues must be protected. The solution can irritate or burn mucosal tissues and can cause staining if it contacts the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, or gingival tissues. Enamel and dentin are hard surfaces and are the intended target for treatment, so touching them with the microbrush is appropriate for applying the product to the lesion, though staining of the lesion itself can occur. The gingival margin is soft tissue, so contact there is also undesirable; in general, avoid any contact with intra- or extraoral soft tissues to prevent irritation and unintended staining. If accidental contact happens, rinse promptly and re-isolate to continue applying only to the lesion.

SDF should be applied only to the carious tooth surface, and soft tissues must be protected. The solution can irritate or burn mucosal tissues and can cause staining if it contacts the inner cheeks, lips, tongue, or gingival tissues. Enamel and dentin are hard surfaces and are the intended target for treatment, so touching them with the microbrush is appropriate for applying the product to the lesion, though staining of the lesion itself can occur. The gingival margin is soft tissue, so contact there is also undesirable; in general, avoid any contact with intra- or extraoral soft tissues to prevent irritation and unintended staining. If accidental contact happens, rinse promptly and re-isolate to continue applying only to the lesion.