Pediatric Silver Diamine FluorideIn Hudson, OH
When your child develops a cavity, Dr. Greg has several treatment approaches to consider, including silver diamine fluoride when it's the right fit. Every child's situation is different, which is why Dr. Greg always starts with a thorough evaluation to understand what's happening with your child's tooth and discuss all appropriate options with you.
Why should I choose Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is one treatment option Dr. Greg may recommend for certain types of cavities in children. This approach doesn't require any drilling or numbing shots - Dr. Greg simply applies a special liquid to the affected tooth that can help stop decay from progressing. However, SDF isn't suitable for every child or every cavity situation.
During your consultation, Dr. Greg will evaluate whether SDF makes sense for your child's specific needs, considering factors like the location and size of the cavity, your child's age, and your family's treatment goals. He'll explain how this conservative approach compares to other options like fillings, so you can make an informed decision about what's best for your child's unique circumstances.
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
Your child receives specialized care from Dr. Greg, our Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist. This certification requires extensive additional training beyond dental school, specifically focused on treating children's unique dental needs. Dr. Greg's expertise ensures that every treatment recommendation is tailored to your child's individual development and comfort level.
We use Digital X-Rays!
Before we can treat cavities and soft spots with SDF, we must first identify them with diagnostic images. At our practice, we use fully digital x-rays to minimize exposure to radiation and increase patient comfort.
The Benefits of Silver Diamine Fluoride
No Needles Or Drills
SDF doesn't require any drilling of the tooth, which also means there's no need for a numbing needle. Needles and drills can be tough for kids to handle, so SDF means less fuss, no crying, and an easier overall treatment process. Dr. Greg will discuss whether this gentle approach is appropriate for your child's specific situation.
Simple Treatment Process
Including tooth preparation, it only takes a few minutes to treat each tooth with SDF. Dr. Greg will explain how this conservative option fits into your child's overall treatment plan and whether it's the right choice for their particular needs.
The Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment Process
Cleaning & Preparation
First, Dr. Greg will carefully clean and dry your child's mouth near the treatment area.
Applying SDF
Next, Dr. Greg will use a tiny brush to apply the SDF mixture. The process is quick, gentle, and requires no drilling or numbing, making it an easy option for many young patients.
SDF Reapplication
Most patients require periodic reapplication of SDF in 4 weeks. Dr. Greg will examine your child's mouth and reapply SDF if necessary during follow-up visits.
FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Check out these frequently asked questions, or call us to speak with our team.
While some insurance policies are starting to cover silver diamine fluoride, many still do not. It is important to check with your provider to ensure you understand your dental insurance benefits and coverage before proceeding with treatment. Oftentimes, SDF can be a more cost-effective treatment than many other restorative procedures, so even if it is not covered by your dental insurance plan, it may be a good idea to invest in your child’s teeth upfront in order to avoid more costly procedures down the line.
No, SDF treatment does not hurt. If any of the SDF liquid comes in contact with the gums, tongue, or lips your child may experience a slight tingling sensation. However, when SDF is carefully applied by Dr. Greg, this is unlikely since he uses small brushes to ensure precise application.
By painting SDF onto your child's tooth, Dr. Greg can effectively stop the progression of tooth decay. SDF does this by simultaneously killing bacteria and remineralizing the tooth. The minerals in the SDF solution (silver and fluoride) penetrate the tooth structure and "fill in" the gaps where the tooth enamel has been eaten away by plaque and tartar. SDF is effective for treating teeth that have soft spots, or the beginning stages of a cavity.
