Floss Boss Pediatric Dentistry – Hillsborough Township & Flemington, NJ
By Dr. Kruti Sanghavi
As parents, one of our top priorities is making sure our children stay healthy, safe, and happy—including when it comes to their dental health. At Floss Boss Pediatric Dentistry, we often meet parents who are surprised when we mention a treatment called Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF). It sounds technical, and we understand that anything unfamiliar—especially when it involves your child—can be a little unsettling at first.
But don’t worry. In this blog, we’ll walk you through what SDF is, why we recommend it, and how it helps protect your child’s smile—all in a gentle, non-invasive way.
What is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a safe, painless, and quick treatment used to stop tooth decay from progressing. It’s a liquid composed of silver (which kills bacteria), fluoride (which strengthens teeth), ammonia, and water. When applied to a cavity, it works by halting the decay process, preventing the cavity from getting worse.
This is especially helpful for young children, nervous patients, or children with special healthcare needs who may not tolerate traditional dental fillings.
Why Might My Child Need SDF?
We might recommend SDF in the following situations:
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Your child has early-stage cavities that are small and haven’t yet caused pain
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Your child is too young or anxious to undergo more invasive dental work
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Your child has baby teeth close to falling out, and we want to preserve them for now
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You’re looking for a cost-effective alternative to traditional fillings
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Your child has multiple areas of decay, and we want to stop progression quickly
The great thing about SDF is that it buys us time—especially when we want to avoid sedation or more complex procedures.
What Can I Expect During the SDF Appointment?
The application of SDF is incredibly simple:
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The dentist dries the affected area
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A small brush is used to apply the liquid to the cavity
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In less than a minute, it’s done—no drills, no needles, no discomfort
There is no recovery time and no need for numbing. Your child can return to school or play right after the visit.
Is It Safe for My Child?
Yes! SDF is approved by the FDA and has been used safely around the world for decades. At Floss Boss Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Kruti Sanghavi applies SDF using strict safety protocols and evaluates every case to ensure it’s the right fit.
The most noticeable side effect is that the treated area will turn dark or black. This is not a sign of something going wrong—in fact, it’s proof that the treatment is working. We’ll discuss this in detail with you before we proceed and talk about options for restoring the tooth later, if desired.
What Are the Benefits of SDF?
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No drilling or needles – Perfect for anxious kids
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Stops cavity growth – Slows or halts decay, preserving the tooth
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Quick treatment – Less than 2 minutes per tooth
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Safe and effective – Especially for baby teeth
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Budget-friendly – Often less expensive than traditional fillings
This treatment can make dental care less scary for little ones and give parents peace of mind.
Does SDF Replace a Filling?
SDF is not a permanent solution. While it stops the cavity from getting worse, it doesn’t rebuild the tooth’s structure. Depending on the case, we may later recommend a filling or crown to restore function or improve appearance, especially on permanent teeth.
For many children, however, SDF is the ideal first step—especially if we’re trying to avoid sedation or postpone treatment until they’re older and more cooperative.
Our Gentle Approach to Pediatric Dentistry
At Floss Boss Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that each child is unique. That’s why Dr. Kruti Sanghavi and our compassionate team take the time to explain every treatment and answer all your questions. We want you to feel confident in every decision you make about your child’s oral health.
We proudly serve families in Hillsborough Township and Flemington, NJ, creating positive dental experiences from the very first visit.
Ready to schedule an appointment?
Call us at (908) 493-5885 or (908) 751-0770 today!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Will the black stain from SDF go away?
The black color is permanent on the decayed area, but it doesn’t spread or harm healthy parts of the tooth. If the appearance is a concern, we can discuss options like white fillings to cover it later.
2. Is SDF painful for my child?
No, the treatment is completely painless. There’s no drilling, no needles, and no numbing needed—just a quick application with a small brush.
3. How long does SDF last?
The effects can last for several months. Depending on the case, we may recommend reapplying it at future visits to maintain its effectiveness.
4. Can SDF be used on permanent teeth?
Yes, in some cases. While it’s most commonly used on baby teeth, we can also use SDF on permanent teeth as a temporary measure, especially when immediate treatment isn’t possible.
5. Is SDF covered by insurance?
Many dental insurance plans cover SDF treatments. Our front desk team is happy to help you verify your benefits and discuss payment options—including 0% financing—to make treatment more affordable.
Floss Boss Pediatric Dentistry – A gentle, safe, and friendly place for your child’s smile.
Locations in Hillsborough Township & Flemington, NJ
Call (908) 493-5885 or (908) 751-0770 to book your visit with Dr. Kruti Sanghavi
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