Silver Diamine Flouride Specialist

What is silver diamine fluoride?

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a topical medication that the RyeSmiles Pediatric Dentistry team uses to non-invasively treat tooth decay. The team can use SDF in place of traditional fillings to prevent small cavities in baby and permanent teeth from growing or spreading.

The American Dental Association (ADA) supports the use of this treatment, which is cost-effective and minimally invasive. SDF is ideal for some patients who can't tolerate the process of getting a traditional filling.

Is SDF a good option for my child?

SDF is often an ideal treatment for very young or older special needs children who may not be able to sit through more extensive dental work. The treatment is quick and painless. The dental team can treat the cavity as soon as they find it during a regular exam or using an X-ray.

Silver diamine fluoride treatment is not ideal for cavities that are extensive or cause pain or sensitivity. SDF is not the proper treatment when a child is allergic to silver or when they have open sores or soft tissue injuries on the inside of their mouth.

Are silver diamine fluoride treatments permanent?

Typically, the dental team uses silver diamine fluoride treatments for baby teeth. The treatment allows the tooth to stay healthy until it falls out. However, when they use SDF treatments for permanent teeth, repeated treatments may be necessary every 6-12 months.

While SDF is an effective and long-lasting treatment, repeated treatments are sometimes needed because SDF doesn't remove the cavity but treats the infection causing the decay. Subsequent treatments can easily coincide with regular dental exams.

One drawback to this treatment is that SDF stains the cavity black and may not be aesthetically appealing for larger cavities or visible areas. In some cases, parents may want to do a traditional filling later when a child is older and more amenable to another, more involved dental procedure.

If you would like to discuss using silver diamine fluoride for your child's cavities, call RyeSmiles Pediatric Dentistry or schedule an appointment online today.