In the past few years, dentists around the country have begun using silver diamine fluoride (SDF) as an alternative treatment for patients with cavities, providing a solution that avoids the need to drill out the decay. Applying SDF to the affected tooth can stop the progression of bacteria without the need for more invasive measures. SDF is an exciting development in kids’ cavities treatments that patients and their parents can appreciate.
At Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, we offer SDF treatment to children of all ages on a case-by-case basis to help protect your child’s teeth and enhance their oral health for years to come.
What Is SDF?
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a liquid compound containing silver and fluoride. In dental treatment, SDF prevents tooth decay and stabilizes the tooth until a dentist can evaluate if they need to perform further treatments. Silver kills the bacteria responsible for tooth decay, while fluoride strengthens tooth enamel and aids in remineralization — a natural tooth repair process — helping prevent further decay.
In addition to stopping cavities from progressing, SDF can help reverse some of the damage caused by the cavity and prevent tooth sensitivity linked to decay.
Why Do Pediatric Dentists Use Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Dentists prefer using silver diamine fluoride in cases where decay hasn’t spread very far. SDF provides an alternative to drilling and filling, making the process easier for patients. In addition, the procedure exhibits very predictable results, so it’s valuable and safe. Other reasons why pediatric dentists may recommend SDF treatment include the following:
- Minimally invasive: SDF treatment is painless and does not require drilling or anesthesia, making it an ideal option for young children or those with dental anxiety.
- Quick application: The application process is straightforward and can often be completed in a single dental visit. It saves time for both the patient and the dental team.
- Effective for multiple cavities: SDF can be applied to multiple areas of decay in one visit, which is especially beneficial for children with several cavities.
- Long-lasting protection: The effects of SDF can last for several months, providing ongoing protection against further decay.
If you have any questions about the benefits and safety, please contact our office directly to learn more about how and why we use SDF as a treatment method and whether it may be appropriate for your child.
Is Your Child a Candidate for SDF Treatment in Portland?
Patients of all ages tolerate SDF well. However, this treatment tends to be the most widely used in pediatric dentistry. After all, it is fast to apply, making it a terrific cavity treatment for kids. Dentists can also use SDF on babies or children with special needs who struggle to sit in a dental chair for long periods.
You may need to consider alternative treatments like traditional fillings if your child has a known allergy to silver or if the decay is too advanced and has caused significant damage to the tooth. At Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our pediatric dentist, Dr. Dana Fox, will assess your child’s dental health to determine whether they might be a good candidate for SDF treatment.
How Does Our Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment Process Work?
The SDF treatment process at Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics is designed to be quick and comfortable for young patients. We offer a variety of books and toys to keep your child entertained during their wait, so you don’t have to worry about them getting restless. Additionally, we have televisions installed above each dental chair, allowing your child to sit back, relax and enjoy their favorite show while we care for their teeth and make them sparkle.
Since the application doesn’t take long, most children have no issue sitting still and staying comfortable. Here’s a breakdown of how a typical silver diamine fluoride treatment in Portland works:
- Tooth cleaning: First, our team will gently clean the area of tooth decay to remove residual food debris or plaque covering the cavity surface.
- Drying and isolation: Once clean, your dentist will dry and isolate the tooth, using cotton rolls or small barriers to prevent the tongue and cheeks from touching it.
- SDF application: After air-drying the cleaned site, the pediatric dentist uses a small brush to apply the SDF liquid to the affected tooth. Based on the cavity’s size and patient behavior, the liquid is allowed to absorb into the tooth surface for 10-60 seconds.
- Sealing the SDF: Finally, your dentist will apply a thin layer of fluoride varnish over the SDF layer to prevent it from being washed off the tooth or diluted with saliva. Your child is allowed to eat and drink immediately following the SDF application.
Depending on your child’s situation, two or more applications of SDF may be necessary. After applying SDF treatment, Dr. Fox will evaluate whether the SDF liquid is successfully stalling the decay and determine if further action is needed.
What Are the Pros and Cons of SDF Pediatric Dental Treatment?
SDF is a reliable method to safely halt the spread of decay in many instances. It mainly benefits pediatric patients, including infants with decaying baby teeth. Rather than resorting to invasive measures that require anesthesia and numbing agents, our pediatric dentist can address cavities in a way that makes the patient feel more comfortable.
The biggest pros of SDF are that it does not involve numbing or drilling, is minimally invasive, and is fast, effective, and affordable. However, despite the tremendous positives for patients, this dental treatment does have one downside that parents and patients should consider. Once applied, silver diamine fluoride turns decayed areas dark brown or black, and this color change is permanent. For this reason, some people only opt for SDF application on teeth that don’t show when the patient smiles.
Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment in Portland, Oregon
Does your child have extensive areas of tooth decay? Do you have a family history of cavities that start during the toddler years?
Contact our staff at Sprout Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics to talk about minimally invasive treatments such as silver diamine fluoride protection.
