Product Evaluation

All dentists would like to have 100% confidence that the treatment they provide will deliver an esthetic result. But as Dr. Sylvia Irwin explained, 100% can sometimes be a lofty goal. “Whether or not we admit it, we dentists always feel a teeny bit of apprehension when using silver diamine fluoride (SDF) for sensitivity,” she said. “Might there be some staining? How do we deal with it? What will the patient say?”

Thankfully for Dr. Irwin, SDI’s “Riva Star Aqua allays those fears!” This patented water-based silver fluoride solution provides the benefits of Riva Star SDF without the apprehension—and with a host of additional benefits. Riva Star Aqua’s 38% silver fluoride formula relieves sensitivity with considerably less staining than SDF.

And because it’s ammonia-free, the pH-neutral solution can be applied safely without a gingival barrier, shortening treatment time, reducing soft-tissue irritation, and eliminating unpleasant odors and taste. After using Riva Star Aqua to treat hypersensitivity in adults and young children, Dr. Irwin determined, “Staining reduction makes this a more acceptable product to patients and parents, and it tastes better than [my previous SDF].”

Ease of Application

Available in bottles or capsules, Riva Star Aqua is applied in 2 easy steps to treat dental hypersensitivity. After Step 1 (blue) is brushed onto the treatment area, Step 2 (green) is immediately applied to reduce staining on an as-needed basis. One drop of Step 1 and 2 drops of Step 2 can treat up to 5 teeth per patient.

“It’s a nonmessy, easy-to-use product with a single-use application that ensures quality,” said Dr. John Crary. He liked the color-changing properties that indicate when application is finished and suggested that “a syringe-style applicator might be useful.” Praising the “easy, clear steps to follow for placement,” Dr. Joel Preminger said the quick procedure helps save chair time, and Dr. Mihaela Popa said, “Application is simple and precise.”

Dr. Phil Harper preferred the capsules due to easy cleanup, and Dr. James DeFilippo favored the economical bottle delivery because he can control the amount dispensed.

Reduced Staining; Better Taste & Smell

Riva Star Aqua’s potassium iodide Step 2 solution significantly reduces black stains, and the ammonia-free formula tastes and smells better than SDF.

Having had several patients who refused SDF treatments because of staining, Dr. Jeanne Spence said, “Riva Star Aqua removes old barriers to treatment and increases compliance and outcomes for patients.” Calling it “far superior” to her previous SDF and especially beneficial for use on anterior primary teeth, she declared, “This amazing product helps so many patients.” She said it also reduces clinicians’ stress by taking the technique-sensitive application out of the equation.

“It provided amazing results with a better smell and without making the tooth appear black,” shared Dr. Harper. Dr. Charles Kattuah said Riva Star Aqua “eliminated the staining of tooth structure,” and Dr. DeFilippo has had no complaints about taste. “It definitely stains less and causes less gingival irritation,” said Dr. Cynthia Leung, whose patients reported “no more sensitivities.”

Pleased to “not worry about stains and discoloration of tooth structure,” Dr. Mitchell Pasenkoff enjoyed the odor-free formula and said, “SDI has come up with a real winner by addressing 2 important issues—staining and odor.”

Sensitivity Relief

Similar to Riva Star SDF, Riva Star Aqua is a noninvasive 2-step system that desensitizes tooth pain with a few drops. The silver fluoride provides immediate relief, and the desensitizing effect lasts up to 2 years after a single application.

“It seems to help reduce cold and cervical sensitivity, and it works quickly,” shared Dr. DeFilippo, whose patients reported that teeth were less sensitive when they left the chair. “Riva Star Aqua did a great job of decreasing tooth sensitivity in pediatric patients, and it works especially well for anxious patients with extreme hypersensitivity,” Dr. Pasenkoff noted.

Dr. Harper said his patients have experienced “no pulpal damage or sensitivity” to date after treatment with Riva Star Aqua, and Dr. Jason Ingber said, “Patients were happy that I could reduce their sensitivity.” Because Riva Star Aqua “caused no gum irritation and decreases sensitivity” in her patients, Dr. Leung considers her “mission completed!”

Overall Satisfaction

Explaining that Riva Star Aqua proved beneficial for “middle-aged to mature patients who have gingival recession, cervical erosion, and abfraction,” Dr. DeFilippo said, “The cariostatic/anticaries properties are an added bonus without the stain that usually accompanies use of SDF.”

Also pleased that Riva Star Aqua “helps stop the waiting and watching of incipient caries,” Dr. Eric Leibowitz concluded, “It is an economical and effective product that reduces sensitivity and doesn’t stain. As patients walk in with pain and walk out pain-free, it makes the dentist look like a hero in a short visit.”