Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatments (SDF)

At Novato Children's Dentistry, we are dedicated to providing the most advanced and effective treatments to maintain and improve the oral health of our young patients. Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) represents a significant advancement in pediatric dental care, offering a non-invasive method to slow down or halt the progression of cavities and prevent new ones from forming.

What is Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)?

Silver Diamine Fluoride is an FDA-approved liquid medicament used to prevent tooth cavities (or dental caries) from advancing and to prevent new ones from forming. Comprising of silver, water, fluoride, and ammonia, SDF serves multiple roles:

  • Silver acts as an antimicrobial agent, killing bacteria.
  • Fluoride helps in the remineralization of the tooth enamel, making the tooth surface more resistant to decay.
  • Ammonia stabilizes the solution, allowing the effective components to remain potent.

The Benefits of SDF Treatments

Non-Invasive: SDF application is a painless, non-invasive procedure that does not require affected tooth structure removal  or anesthesia, making it highly suitable for pre-cooperative children, those with dental office or treatment anxiety, or special healthcare needs.

  1. Quick and Efficient: The treatment process is swift, typically taking only a few minutes to apply, and is highly effective in arresting tooth decay.
  1. Preventive and Therapeutic: Beyond treating existing cavities, SDF also has been shown with statistical significance to prevent future decay.

How Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is Used in Pediatric Dentistry

  • Evaluation and Diagnosis: Dr. Espinosa and Dr. DeSimini  will first examine your child’s teeth for any decay. If decay or decalcifications are observed then they will also assess the child’s age, cooperation, behavior, and emotions to determine if SDF treatment is the appropriate course of action. SDF may also be used in combination with traditional restorative treatment for added prevention. 
  • Application Process: The cavitated tooth is cleaned and dried. SDF is then carefully applied to the decayed lesions of the teeth with a small brush or a micro-sponge for at least 1 minute. The SDF treated lesion is covered with fluoride varnish to lock in the liquid medicament for longer making the application more potent. 
  • Follow-Up: Every 3-6 months we will monitor the treated areas and assess the need for additional applications or alternative treatments.

Important Considerations

While SDF is a highly effective treatment for tooth decay, it does have some limitations. The most notable is that it causes darkening of the treated areas. We discuss these aspects thoroughly with parents and guardians to ensure informed decisions are made for their child’s dental care.

Schedule Your Child's Consultation

Embrace the benefits of Silver Diamine Fluoride for your child's dental health at Novato Children's Dentistry. Our team is here to provide comprehensive, compassionate care tailored to the unique needs of each child. Contact us today to learn more about SDF treatments or to schedule a consultation.