Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

Walnut Creek, CA

Treatments

At Creekside Kids Dentistry, we are proponents of minimally invasive dentistry to provide safe and effective care for children in Walnut Creek and the surrounding communities. We are pleased to offer silver diamine fluoride (SDF), a quick, affordable, and atraumatic solution for treating cavities. SDF is a game changer, making dental visits more comfortable for our young patients.

What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Silver diamine fluoride is an FDA-approved, non-invasive alternative to traditional dental fillings. It offers an incredibly effective solution to treat tooth decay until a child is ready for a permanent restoration or the baby tooth is ready to fall out naturally.

SDF has two main active ingredients: silver and fluoride. Silver has antimicrobial properties, eliminating cavity-causing bacteria. Fluoride, on the other hand, decreases tooth sensitivity and strengthens the tooth enamel, making it more resistant to decay. It also helps rebuild the tooth structure in a process known as remineralization, reversing early decay and preventing cavities from getting worse. It is important to note that one of the side effects of SDF is that it permanently stains the treatment area, especially the decayed tooth structure.

SDF treatment is completely non-invasive, with no anesthetic shots, drilling, or pain. It is ideal for most minor to moderate cavities in baby teeth. SDF is applied to the decayed tooth surface in a matter of minutes. Your child will be comfortable and safe throughout the procedure.

SDF and Protective Restoration - The Smart Technique

At Creekside Kids Dentistry, we offer SMART fillings using SDF and a dental material made of glass ionomer material. Instead of removing the decayed tooth structure, as with traditional fillings, we start by applying SDF directly to the cavity to eliminate cavity-causing bacteria. Next, we place a tooth-colored glass ionomer filling material, which helps mask the black stains caused by applying SDF and restores the tooth to its natural form.

Who Is a Candidate for Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Candidates for silver diamine fluoride treatment may include the following:

Children with high anxiety levels
Young children who cannot sit still for long
Children with extensive decay or multiple cavities
Children with decayed baby teeth that are about to fall out
Children with special healthcare or behavioral needs

Maintaining Cavity-Free Smiles

The best way to protect your child's smile and prevent cavities is to be proactive and maintain excellent oral hygiene. Encourage regular brushing and flossing to remove plaque and food debris, lowering the risk of cavities. It is also important to keep up with your child's regular, twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. Treating dental problems as they develop will prevent the need for extensive treatments later on.

How We Help Our Patients Feel Right at Home

At Creekside Kids Dentistry, we strive to ensure every visit to our office is a happy, stress-free experience. Here are some ways we help our young patients feel right at home:

Our kid-friendly team spares no effort to create a warm, happy atmosphere where even the most anxious patients feel safe, comfortable, and at ease.
We use cutting-edge technology to provide our young patients with the best possible dental experience.
We use visual aids and explain procedures in age-appropriate terms to help our young patients know what to expect.
We always take the time to answer your child's questions and address their concerns.
We use a variety of tools and techniques, including nitrous oxide sedation, to help our young patients relax in the dentist's chair.