Silver Diamine Fluoride

If your little one has a cavity in their baby tooth, they may not need a filling. With silver diamine fluoride, Dr. Stephen Prieve can halt the process of decay and protect their tooth, all without any drills or needles.

What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)?

Silver Diamine Fluoride, also called SDF for short, is an alternative treatment for tooth decay in baby teeth. It uses a mixture of fluoride, silver, ammonia, and water. When SDF is applied to a decayed tooth, this liquid kills the bacteria and halts the progression of the cavity. SDF keeps the rest of the tooth in good shape, and ensures that your child’s baby tooth stays strong until it’s replaced with a new, healthy adult tooth. Contact Blue Skies Pediatric Dentistry now to learn more and see if SDF is right for treating your child’s cavities.

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The Benefits Of Silver Diamine Fluoride

Very quick treatment

It takes only minutes for Dr. Prieve to apply SDF to your child’s teeth. Compared to a filling, the treatment is much faster and much simpler. This frees up more time in your busy schedule.

No needles or drilling needed

Getting a filling can be difficult for some kids, particularly if they suffer from dental anxiety. Pediatric sedation can help, but adds more complexity and cost to your child’s treatment. But with SDF, absolutely no needles or drilling are necessary, which makes it easier for your little one to get the care they need.

Cheaper than fillings

Along with all of these other benefits, SDF is typically much cheaper compared to getting a dental filling. By choosing SDF, you can save money and keep your budget in check.

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The Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment Process

Tooth cleaning

To begin the process, Dr. Prieve will gently clean the surface of the decayed tooth to remove any food, debris, and particles that could interfere with SDF treatment. Then, we will dry and isolate the area, using cotton balls to keep the area dry.

Applying SDF

Next, Dr. Prieve will use a brush to gently apply a layer of the SDF liquid. This liquid dries within about a minute. Once the SDF has been applied, Dr. Prieve will also apply a thin layer of fluoride varnish to the area. This helps lock and seal the SDF, and allows it to continue to bond with the tooth. Then, you and your child will be sent home.

Continued SDF treatment

During your child’s six-month visits to Blue Skies Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Prieve will check their tooth and the SDF treatment. For the best results, SDF will usually be reapplied every six months for two years.

Before & Afters

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Did you know?

51% of kids between the ages of 5-11 have at least one cavity. If left untreated, cavities can lead to further complications like tooth infections.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.

Can Silver Diamine Fluoride Be Used On Adult Teeth?

SDF is not recommended to be used on adult teeth. This is because the tooth becomes permanently stained a dark or black color after SDF treatment. This is normal, and it’s okay for baby teeth because they will be replaced with adult teeth eventually.

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But for cavities in adult teeth, this staining is not desirable, so SDF is not usually recommended. If your child has a cavity in one of their adult teeth, Dr. Prieve will recommend a tooth-colored filling rather than SDF treatment.

Every Child Deserves to Smile

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