Things to Know About Silver Diamine Fluoride

Silver Diamine Fluoride Glen Ridge, NJ

Silver diamine fluoride is a popular minimally invasive technique that is used in dentistry. Specifically, pediatric dentists make use of this type of fluoride because it does not involve any pain or open wounds, both of which children and adolescents tend to fear. With that being said, pediatric patients often have more cavities than the average adult, which is why silver diamine fluoride is necessary. Keep reading to find out more about what it is and how it works. 

Quick guide to silver diamine fluoride

Below is an overview of silver diamine fluoride, including what it is, how it works, and other important things to know. Review this information when looking into alternative options for cavity treatment.

Silver diamine fluoride

Silver diamine fluoride is a special type of fluoride used specifically to treat cavities that have already formed. It is a topical solution that dentists use directly on the surface of the teeth. The procedure is quite similar to the application of dental sealants. The dentist starts by cleaning the teeth then applying the liquid all over the teeth that are decaying. Afterward, the solution is left to soak into the tooth so that the cavities can be put to a halt. Silver diamine fluoride contains water, ammonia, silver, and fluoride, all of which are proven to be safe for use in dentistry. 

Benefits

There are a lot of benefits to having silver diamine fluoride applied to the teeth. Outlined below are a few of the most noteworthy. 

  • There is no pain involved in the application
  • Cavities are stopped immediately
  • Re-application is simple and easy
  • There are not any drills or sharp instruments required
  • Children feel more comfortable, making for a better experience

Other things to know

When it comes to silver diamine fluoride, it is good for parents to know that the treatment may not work on its own. While it has proven to be successful in cavity treatment, there is a chance that further treatment may be required after the initial application. Although cavities can be stopped, the tooth may have suffered severely, causing irreversible damage, which could lead to the need for a root canal or another type of treatment. After silver diamine is administered, the dentist can carefully check the tooth to determine if any further action is needed. 

Find out more

Pediatric dentists are using silver diamine fluoride a lot more these days as it has proven benefits. Additionally, children respond better to minimally or non-invasive treatments as it reduces pain and long healing times. Silver diamine fluoride, in particular, does not require any drilling within the oral cavity, which is often a big fear for children.

To find out more about silver diamine fluoride or what is involved in the treatment application, reach out today. Any questions or concerns about what the treatment looks like can be appropriately addressed by our office.

Request an appointment here: https://www.littlesproutspd.com or call Little Sprouts Pediatric Dentistry at (973) 221-2919 for an appointment in our Glen Ridge office.

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