Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) – Leesburg, VA

When All Clues Lead to a Pesky Cavity, We Make Treatment Easy

Cavities are one of the most common dental problems among children, and even adults, but with proper professional care and a good at-home oral hygiene routine, your child can curb the threat of pesky decay. Silver diamine fluoride, commonly abbreviated as SDF, is one of our highly effective, preventive methods of treating and protecting teeth affected by decay. You can learn more about SDF and how it can help treat and protect teeth from cavities below. If you have any additional questions you would like to have answered, feel free to reach out to our team!

Why Choose Tooth Clues – The Dental Detective for Kids for SDF Treatment?

  • Knowledgeable Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist
  • Save with Our In-House Membership
  • A Fun, Engaging Office & Welcoming Team
 

What is Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Dr. Vani Takiar treating a child’s teeth

Silver diamine fluoride is an FDA-cleared treatment for dental sensitivity, but dentists also use it to stop the progression of the early signs of decay. SDF itself comes in the form of a liquid that can be applied to affected teeth, and it is comprised of four main ingredients:

  1. Silver, which helps kill bacteria
  2. Water to create the liquid base
  3. Fluoride that helps remineralize dental enamel
  4. Ammonia that allows the solution to remain concentrated

The application process is simple, non-invasive, and does not require the use of any tools other than SDF liquid, a small brush, and a suction tool to keep the area dry. First, we place a piece of cotton or clean gauze near the tooth that is going to receive treatment to keep the area dry. Our team will then apply the silver diamine fluoride to the tooth - no need for a filling or altering the tooth’s structure is required!

Is Your Child a Good Candidate for Silver Diamine Fluoride?

a purple and a green treatment chair in the Tooth Clues office

The best way to understand whether your child can benefit from SDF treatment is for them to receive a thorough examination from our pediatric dentist in Leesburg, Dr. Takiar. During their routine checkup, our team will obtain any necessary X-rays and take a closer look at their teeth, evaluating for signs of caries. We may recommend silver diamine fluoride treatment if your child:

  • Cannot sit still to receive a dental filling, making SDF a more comfortable, less-invasive alternative.
  • Is experiencing dental sensitivity.
  • Has a high risk of developing cavities in certain teeth.
  • Has conservative decay limited to only the outer layers of the tooth.

The Benefits of Silver Diamine Fluoride

a dental assistant talking with a child sitting in a treatment chair

Silver diamine fluoride in Leesburg is an excellent preventive treatment for kids, allowing our team at Tooth Clues to create a positive experience for your child by reducing the need for treatments like cavity fillings. Plus, because SDF treatment is completely non-invasive, our team is able to preserve more of their natural tooth structure, whether we are treating their primary or permanent teeth.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding SDF treatment, or you would like to learn more, feel free to reach out to our helpful Tooth Clues team today!