Silver Diamine Fluoride
An Option to Delay Fillings
Silver Diamine Fluoride can help prevent tooth decay from progressing quickly and it’s option for treating cavities in children. We are excited to offer it to our Super Kids Austin patients. Learn more about what it is and if it may be right for your child!
Despite our best efforts as parents, sometimes our children have spots of decay on their teeth. Dentists call this decay “caries” or cavities. Previously, fillings were the only option for cavity treatment–even in very young children. But getting a filling can be difficult for our young patients even with the sedation options we offer.
Now there’s a way to delay the drill without risking further damage to the tooth.
Silver Diamine Fluoride is a clear liquid that’s applied directly to the decayed part of the tooth with a brush. It’s a simple and painless procedure that takes only a few minutes. SDF contains silver, which acts as an antimicrobial, and a concentration of fluoride that stops the decay.
It’s important for parents to understand that this treatment option is NOT a final solution. Your child’s dentist will continue to monitor the affected tooth and it will eventually need to have the decay removed and filled. But as a parent you can feel good about waiting until they are ready to have the procedure.
SDF does typically cause a black discoloration on the surface of the tooth in the places where the decay has already started. It can also give a metallic taste in the mouth when it’s applied.
At Super Kids Austin we are always looking for new ways to care for your child’s smile. We know how stressful it can be to learn that your young child has a cavity. Our goal is to make your child’s dental experience as positive as possible. If you suspect your child has a cavity, schedule an appointment as soon as possible so that we can prevent further decay!