Silver Diamine Fluoride – Worcester, MA
Gentle Cavity Treatment for Growing Smiles
Did you know that cavities are one of the most common dental problems among children in the entire world? In fact, it’s estimated that over 50% of all children experience tooth decay by age 8. However, cavities are also very preventable! One way that they can be stopped in their tracks or avoided altogether is silver diamine fluoride, a unique form of treatment that’s gentle, safe, and incredibly effective. If you’re curious about this pediatric treatment or want to schedule a checkup for your child, just contact our Worcester office to get started.
Why Choose Kids’ Smiles on Lincoln for Silver Diamine Fluoride?
- Comprehensive Care Under One Roof
- Children of All Ages Proudly Welcome
- Insurance Accepted & Financing Available
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Silver diamine fluoride, often abbreviated as SDF, is an FDA-cleared treatment for dental sensitivity, but it can also be used to stop the progression of early cavities. SDF itself comes in liquid form, making it very easy to apply to teeth. It’s comprised of four main ingredients:
- Silver, which helps to kill bacteria.
- Water, used to create the liquid base.
- Fluoride, the naturally occurring mineral that can remineralize dental enamel.
- Ammonia, which allows the solution to remain concentrated.
Applying SDF to teeth is very simple. First, a small piece of cotton is placed near the tooth to keep the treatment area dry. Our team will then apply silver diamine fluoride to the tooth, and often, no filling or alteration to the enamel is required—meaning no drilling!
Is Your Child a Good Candidate for Silver Diamine Fluoride?
The best way to know for certain if your child can benefit from SDF treatment is by bringing them in for a thorough examination by Dr. Clancy and our team. During this visit, we will take any necessary X-rays and look closely at your child’s teeth, evaluating them for signs of decay. We might recommend SDF treatment if your child:
- Struggles to sit still during treatments such as dental fillings.
- Experiences notable dental sensitivity.
- Is at a much higher risk of developing cavities in certain teeth.
- Has conservative decay that’s limited to just the outer layers of a tooth or teeth.
The Benefits of Silver Diamine Fluoride
The primary benefit of silver diamine fluoride is that it greatly reduces your child’s need for treatments like cavity fillings. SDF treatment is also completely non-invasive, meaning that our team is able to preserve an incredible amount of their natural tooth structure, whether we’re treating primary teeth or permanent teeth. Due to its gentle nature, this treatment also helps children to feel more comfortable at the dental office.