Preserve Your Child's Baby Teeth
We offer silver diamine fluoride treatment as a noninvasive way to stop your child’s tooth decay.
SDF or Silver Diamine Fluoride
Silver Diamine Fluoride has been proven to non-invasively stop the progression of tooth decay.
Using SDF is a conservative approach to treating decay, especially in baby teeth that will be lost in a few years. Our dental team can discuss with you if SDF treatment is right for your child.
What is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Silver Diamine Fluoride, or SDF, is an FDA-approved antibiotic liquid that is applied topically to the teeth to stop decay from progressing. While this treatment probably won’t prevent the need for a restoration in the future, it has been proven effective in stopping further decay until either the baby tooth is lost, or a more permanent means of repair can be performed, like a filling or crown.
The Procedure
After the treatment area is isolated and dried, we apply the Silver Diamine Fluoride to the decay using a small brush. Then a fluoride-infused sealer is placed over the Silver Diamine Fluoride, so it can work its magic undisturbed.
A follow-up appointment about a week later makes sure the Silver Diamine Fluoride is working and a second application is then applied.
After your child’s procedure, daily home treatment with a fluoride rinse (like ACT) is recommended. You should also ensure you child is brushing with a fluoridated toothpaste twice a day.
What to Expect After Treatment
After your child’s appointment, you may notice some discoloration where the SDF made contact with the surrounding tissue of the gum, skin or an existing restoration. The decayed area where the Silver Diamine Fluoride was applied will also turn dark. This is an indication that the SDF is working and is perfectly natural.
Silver Diamine Fluoride is safe, FDA-approved, and an effective way to stop decay. However, if your child has a silver sensitivity, please let us know before their appointment.
Benefits of SDF Treatment.
Comfortable.
The process of applying SDF is quick and painless. We start by cleaning and drying the area before applying the fluoride. A follow-up appointment about a week later makes sure the Silver Diamine Fluoride is working and a second application is applied.
Safe.
Effective.
The use of Silver Diamine Fluoride in dentistry is well documented for its ability to stop decay noninvasively. Using SDF is a conservative approach to treating decay, especially in baby teeth that will be lost in a few years.