Tooth decay is a bacterial infection in the oral cavity that affects nearly 1 in 4 children between the ages of 2 through 5 years. While there are many general dentistry treatments designed to help stop the spread of cavities, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is one of them. SDF is a heavy-hitting, FDA-approved solution that helps arrest cavities, annihilates the infection-causing pathogens (S. mutans) responsible for cavities, and remineralizes the teeth in one application. Researchers estimate that up to 90% of dental caries lesions halt with the one-time application (depending on the size and tooth location)
Our Approach to Silver Diamine Fluoride
Dr. Kruti Sanghavi, a top pediatric dentist near Pennington, NJ, offers silver diamine fluoride to treat deciduous and permanent teeth with cavities. Since tooth decay is a bacterial disease, the strategy behind topically applying SDF to dental surfaces is the inhibit bacterial growth in existing areas to prevent areas of new decay.
SDF is a three-part solution, with each ingredient supporting dental health in its own unique way:
- Silver is a robust, antibacterial metal. Upon contact, silver ions kill bacteria. Plus, they stay embedded in a demineralized tooth and strengthen the tooth after decay. Silver’s natural properties help prevent reinfection.
- Diamine is a powerful antiseptic that kills harmful oral bacteria and stabilizes the silver diamine fluoride solution.
- Fluoride is a common anti-cavity mineral that helps enamel become more resistant to acids released by oral bacteria.
Does my child need silver diamine fluoride?
Silver diamine fluoride is recommended to treat a wide range of dental conditions, like:
- Reducing teeth sensitivity
- Patients who have tooth decay but cannot undergo dental fillings due to medical or behavioral concerns
- Hypoplastic or weaker teeth treatment
What happens during silver diamine fluoride treatment?
SDF is a non-invasive, straightforward process and can be completed in a single visit (but may require reapplication eventually). Dr. Sanghavi will use a micro brush to apply the SDF solution directly on the areas of infection and potentially newly emerged, high-risk dental surfaces (like the first molars).
Because SDF treatment seems dark at first, many parents and patients ask, “does silver diamine fluoride fade?” The staining from SDF should disappear on its own within 1 to 3 weeks. Interestingly, the darkening color can be blamed on the silver ions tarnishing. Furthermore, the tarnishing effect indicates that the treatment is effective and successful, which alludes to the fact that the bacterial infection ceases to spread.
Stop the Spread of Dental Decay
Children suffering from cavities or having carious lesions are candidates for SDF, especially if they cannot undergo dental fillings treatment due to medical or behavioral reasons. SDF is also used in high-risk patients or patients with fragile tooth structures. SDF is one of the best ways of treating cavities or carious lesions, especially for infants or children who cannot cooperate with treatment. To learn more about SDF or book an appointment, kindly call us at (908) 860-8913 or message us online. Our team can guide you and direct you to the best resources.
