Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)

Welcome to Smile Cliniq Children’s Dentist, your trusted clinic in children’s dentistry in London and Hampstead. We understand the importance of your child’s oral health and are committed to providing the best care possible. One of the innovative treatments we offer to safeguard your child’s precious smile is Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF).

What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a safe and effective dental treatment that helps prevent and treat cavities in children. It’s a clear liquid that contains silver, fluoride, and ammonia. When applied to a cavity or a high-risk area, SDF can stop the decay process and protect your child’s teeth from further damage.

Why Choose Silver Diamine Fluoride for Your Child at Smile Cliniq?

• Painless: SDF is a painless treatment, making it ideal for children who may be anxious about dental procedures.
• Non-Invasive: Unlike traditional dental fillings, SDF doesn’t require drilling or injections, making it a minimally invasive option.
• Stops and Prevents Decay: SDF is not only a treatment but also a preventive measure. It strengthens tooth enamel and makes it more resistant to future decay.
• Quick and Easy: The application of SDF is quick and straightforward, making it suitable for young children with short attention spans.

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) for Treating Cavities in Children

Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is recommended for treating cavities in several scenarios involving children. 

Young children with cooperation difficulties: SDF is useful for very young children who find it hard to sit still during dental procedures. It can help manage decay in baby teeth until they naturally fall out.

Older children with remaining baby teeth: As children grow older, they may still have some baby teeth along with their permanent teeth. SDF can help manage decay in these baby teeth, preventing them from affecting the emerging permanent teeth.

Children with multiple cavities: When a child has numerous cavities, treating all of them in one visit can be impractical. SDF can treat up to about eight teeth at once, making it an efficient option for children with widespread decay.

Special needs patients: Children of any age with special needs may struggle to stay still for traditional dental treatments or might not understand the procedure, making it difficult to keep calm. SDF can quickly treat cavities without causing unnecessary distress.

The Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) Treatment Process

• Cleaning: Our experienced paediatric dentist will clean the affected tooth or teeth to remove any debris or bacteria.
• Application: SDF is carefully applied to the cavity or at-risk area using a small brush or swab.
• Drying: A gentle stream of air is used to dry the SDF solution, ensuring it adheres to the tooth surface.
• Results: SDF will start working immediately to arrest the decay and strengthen the tooth structure.

Is Silver Diamine Fluoride Safe for My Child?

Yes, SDF is safe for children when used as directed by a qualified dentist. It has been approved by regulatory authorities and is a valuable tool in paediatric dentistry.

Will SDF stain my child’s teeth?

 Yes, SDF will permanently stain the decayed portions of the treated teeth black. However, this staining is less of a concern for baby teeth, which will eventually fall out. Once the decay is stopped, the staining can also be masked with fillings.

Can SDF restore the form and function of a decayed tooth?

 No, SDF cannot restore the form and function of a decayed tooth. Large cavities treated with SDF may still require traditional restorations to fully restore the tooth’s function and appearance.

Can fillings be done on teeth treated with SDF?

Yes, once the decay has been stopped with SDF, fillings can be placed to mask the black staining and restore the tooth’s appearance and function.