Silver Diamine Fluoride Specialist

What is silver diamine fluoride?

A mixture of two parts silver-bonded fluoride, and two parts ammonia, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an antimicrobial treatment for dental cavities. The silver kills bacteria, the fluoride remineralizes teeth, and the ammonia acts as a stabilizer.

Your dentist paints the SDF on your child’s teeth to either stop a cavity from getting worse or to prevent cavities from developing in the first place. Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics also recommends SDF if your child’s teeth are demineralized from eating sugars or acids that erode their enamel.

Is SDF safe?

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies silver diamine fluoride as safe and effective for stopping and preventing cavities. SDF has been in use around the world for over 80 years. 

How does silver diamine fluoride work?

The dentist brushes silver diamine fluoride directly onto your child’s cavity or on the teeth that need protection. When the SDF contacts a cavity and area of demineralization, it hardens the tooth’s surface. The silver in the SDF also stains damaged areas black or dark gray.

The antimicrobial properties in silver diamine fluoride kill the bacteria in the cavity and prevent it from getting worse. SDF does not stain or alter normal, healthy teeth.

How long does SDF last on teeth?

An SDF treatment keeps cavities from getting worse for months at a time. If fillings or another treatment can’t repair the decayed tooth, the dentist reapplies SDF. 

In most cases, Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics ultimately restores teeth that receive SDF with fillings, crowns, or veneers. Restoring the tooth helps maintain your child’s other teeth in proper alignment, even in the case of baby teeth. A restoration in permanent teeth also covers the dark stain. 

Which kids should get silver diamine fluoride?

If your child is too young for drilling and filling cavities, has special needs, or has too many cavities to fill in one sitting, your dentist may recommend SDF. At Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics, you can also get SDF to help prevent cavities in children of all ages.

An SDF treatment isn’t expensive. It’s a cost-effective treatment that quickly and painlessly stops cavities and protects your child’s teeth.

If your child has a cavity, or if you’re interested in cavity prevention, contact Oasis Pediatric Dental Care & Orthodontics about silver diamine fluoride treatments. Call during office hours or use the online form at your convenience.