Silver Diamine Fluoride - Long Beach, NY
Quick, Pain-Free Solution to Cavities
As a parent, you do your best to teach your children the importance of keeping their smiles healthy. However, young children often develop cavities in their baby teeth. It’s crucial to stop decay from worsening over time and new cavities from forming, but not every child is eager to sit in the dental chair for a prolonged period of time. Fortunately, silver diamine fluoride (SDF) treatment is a quick, pain-free solution to cavities. To learn more about silver diamine fluoride treatment, give us a call!
Why Choose Dr. Glen’s Happy Teeth for Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment?
- Pediatric Dentist with 25+ Years of Experience
- Dental Insurance Welcome
- Saturday Appointments Available
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Silver Diamine Fluoride is a liquid that is FDA-approved and applied topically to your child’s teeth. This can help to protect against the damaging effects of tooth decay, and it can stop cavities from worsening. SDF is non-invasive and is applied directly to the surface of the tooth to stop cavities from growing until a more permanent restoration can be put into play. Thanks to the treatment’s ability to preserve healthy tooth enamel, the lesion can be kept from progressing and injuring the tooth’s nerve.
How Silver Diamine Fluoride Works
First, we will thoroughly clean your children’s teeth before applying the Silver Diamine Fluoride. This is because all plaque and tartar must be removed beforehand, and your child’s teeth must be completely dry. With a small brush, their dental team will carefully apply SDF to the surfaces of each tooth that is infected with decay. Then, the SDF is allowed to air dry. This process only takes a few minutes and is completely painless! After the treatment is complete, your child needs to forego eating or drinking for at least one hour after the substance is applied.
When is Silver Diamine Fluoride Recommended?
Here are some scenarios when your child’s dentist may recommend Silver Diamine Fluoride treatment:
- Your child is showing signs of severe decay and has cavities starting to form.
- Your child has special needs and experiences difficulty with thoroughly brushing and flossing.
- Your child’s tooth enamel is experiencing demineralization resulting in cavities.
The Benefits of Silver Diamine Fluoride
There are a variety of benefits that your child can experience when they get Silver Diamine Fluoride treatment. Here are some of the most prominent:
- Non-Invasive
- Safe & Effective
- Great for Anxious Children
- Quick Treatment Process
- Minimal/Non-Existent Tooth Sensitivity Following the Procedure
Silver Diamine Fluoride FAQs
Are There Any Side Effects of Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment?
As of right now, SDF is not known to be associated with any harmful effects. That being said, it should be noted that successful SDF treatment can cause the decayed part of the tooth to permanently turn black. Note that this is a purely aesthetic issue that doesn’t cause pain or sensitivity. Furthermore, it is often possible to cover the darkened area with a tooth-colored filling in order to improve the appearance of the tooth.
There’s a chance that a small amount of SDF may get on the lips or gums during the treatment. This can result in brown or white stains. Fortunately, this discoloration is only temporary; after about one to three weeks, it should go away on its own.
When Will My Child Be Able to Eat or Drink After Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment?
Once your child has received silver diamine fluoride in Long Beach, they should generally wait an hour before eating or drinking anything. This is to give the teeth a chance to fully absorb the material. In order to protect the treatment area, your child should avoid particularly sticky or crunchy foods for at least 24 hours. Make sure that you’re prepared by stocking up on soft foods that your little one can enjoy after their appointment.
Is Silver Diamine Fluoride Right for My Child?
Silver diamine fluoride is considered safe for most children. That said, it is not recommended for those who:
- Are allergic to silver.
- Currently have cuts or sores inside the mouth.
- Are already suffering from a tooth infection.
Before moving forward with any sort of treatment, our team will carefully examine your child’s mouth and consider their overall situation. Based on our findings, we will let you know whether silver diamine fluoride is a good option in your child’s case.
Can Silver Diamine Fluoride Prevent New Cavities From Forming?
While SDF treatment can stop existing decay from growing worse, it cannot completely eliminate the chances of a new cavity forming in the future. As such, if you want to protect your child’s smile, you will need to make sure that they are maintaining good oral health habits. Naturally, this includes:
- Brushing at least two times a day.
- Minimizing consumption of foods or beverages that are high in sugar.
- Visiting the dentist at least two times a year for routine checkups and cleanings.
Is Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment Covered by Dental Insurance?
Some dental insurance plans offer coverage for SDF treatment while others do not. It’s always a good idea to double-check your benefits to make sure that you have an accurate idea of what is or isn’t covered. Our team can review your plan with you if there are any details that you don’t understand; we can also file the necessary claims on your behalf.