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452 Brunswick Road
Grass Valley, CA 95945
grass.valley@caringtreedentistry.com
150 Gateway Dr. Ste 110
Lincoln, CA 95648
lincoln@caringtreedentistry.com

Silver Diamine Fluoride

What is Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is an antibiotic liquid treatment for hypersensitive teeth, tooth decay, and cavities. SDF is a good stopgap method for young children who still have baby teeth, but future restoration may still necessary. It is considered a low-cost preventive measure to inhibit cavity and disease progression in primary and sometimes permanent teeth.

The combined ingredients of SDF form its effectiveness – the silver component kills bacteria, while the fluoride acts to prevent further breakdown of the tooth structure. It requires minimal intervention and is completely noninvasive, since it is applied with a brush.

SDF has been used around the world for some time, becoming FDA-approved in the United States in 2014. Silver compounds in dentistry have proven safe for more than 80 years on the condition that no silver allergy is present in the patient.

SDF is effective for use in teeth with healthy pulp that are free of infection and necrosis. It is an appropriate treatment for children, persons with disabilities, for those who cannot tolerate conventional dental methods, or those who have limited access to dental care and traditional restorative treatment for dental decay.

SDF accomplishes the following:

  • Provides immediate relief from hypersensitivity
  • Kills pathogenic organisms, inhibiting bacterial growth on teeth
  • Hardens teeth, making them more resistant to acids and abrasion
  • Stops growth of cavities and prevents new lesions on teeth where it is applied
  • Does not stain sound dentin or enamel
  • Can provide important clinical feedback due to potential staining of visible problem areas in areas of dentin and enamel that are not sound

Experience the Caring Tree Difference

If you have any questions about general dentistry or would like to schedule an appointment with your pediatric general dentist, Dr. Michelle Kucera at Caring Tree Children’s Dentistry, give us a call today or request an appointment online below. How can we help your child smile today?

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