Dental Kidz Club
Pediatric Dentistry located in Brea, Corona, Covina, Ontario, Riverside, Chino, & Perris, CA
Drilling and filling isn’t the only solution today for treating cavities. Dental Kidz Club offers silver diamine fluoride to fight back against tooth decay. Visit one of our California offices to learn more about this child-friendly dental treatment.Â
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Silver diamine fluoride, or SDF, is an antibiotic liquid used in dental procedures to help prevent the formation, growth, and spread of cavities. It consists of:
- Silver: Kills bacteria and reinforces your dentin, the protective layer of your teeth.
- Fluoride: Helps your teeth rebuild themselves in a process called remineralization.
- Ammonia: Keeps the solution concentrated.
- Water: Acts as a liquid base.
Silver diamine fluoride has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for use in the United States since 2014.
How Silver Diamine Fluoride Works
The chemicals in SDF eliminate the bacteria that cause tooth decay and prevent decay from spreading to other teeth. SDF is an excellent treatment for preventing cavities, and it can also help stop their development once they’ve already formed.
Benefits of Silver Diamine Fluoride
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) offers a range of benefits that make it a great choice for kids' dental care. Here's why:
- Painless and Non-Invasive:Â SDF is easy to apply and doesn't need drilling or anesthesia, perfect for kids who are nervous about dental visits.
- Treats Tooth Sensitivity: SDF can help reduce tooth sensitivity by strengthening dentin and adding a layer of protection.
- Quick and Simple:Â The application takes just a few minutes, ensuring a fast and stress-free experience.
- Prevents Cavities:Â SDF helps strengthen tooth enamel, creating a protective barrier against cavities.
- Stops Tooth Decay:Â SDF can halt existing decay by hardening the affected area and preventing further damage.
- Ideal for Special Needs:Â SDF is a wonderful option for children with special healthcare needs, offering effective cavity treatment without the challenges of conventional methods.
- Safe and FDA-Approved: SDF is rigorously tested and FDA-approved. It’s a safe and reliable treatment for your child's dental health.
What Does a Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment Look Like?
When your child comes in for an SDF treatment, your dentist first brushes and rinses their teeth without toothpaste and removes any visible plaque. They then place cotton or gauze near your child’s affected teeth to keep them dry and remove any remaining moisture from the teeth with a vacuum suction tool.
Once your child’s teeth are completely dry, the dentist uses a micro brush to apply the SDF solution to the affected teeth. The solution takes a few minutes to cure, and then the treatment is complete. To allow the solution to cure further, your child should wait at least an hour before eating or drinking.
Why Choose Dental Kidz Club?
At Dental Kidz Club, we’re proud to offer exceptional dental care for children, led by our highly skilled and compassionate Dr. Jihee Chun, DDS. Dr. Chun is dedicated to providing young patients with a positive and stress-free experience, ensuring they receive the best care possible. Her expertise and gentle approach help children feel comfortable during their visits.
We prioritize your time by seeing only scheduled patients and beginning treatment on the same day as your first visit. With multiple convenient locations, Dental Kidz Club makes it easy for families to access top-quality dental care.Â
Financing SDF Treatments
At Dental Kidz Club, we understand that providing your child with the best dental care can be challenging, especially when dealing with unexpected costs. That’s why we offer flexible financing options through CareCredit.Â
CareCredit allows you to manage dental expenses with low or even 0% interest financing, making treatments like SDF affordable and accessible. This financing can cover the full cost or be used with other payment methods so your child can get the dental care they need without financial strain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Typical Duration of an SDF Treatment Session?
An SDF treatment session typically lasts around 10-15 minutes. It’s a quick and convenient option for busy families.
How Often Does My Child Need SDF Treatments?
SDF treatments are usually applied every six to 12 months, depending on your child's specific dental needs and the dentist's recommendations.
Can SDF Be Used on Baby Teeth and Permanent Teeth?
Yes, SDF is effective on both baby teeth and permanent teeth, providing protection and treatment for various stages of dental development.
Are There Any Side Effects Associated with SDF?
The primary side effect of SDF is the potential for staining on the treated area, which appears as a dark spot. This does not affect the overall health of the tooth.
How Long Does the Protective Effect of SDF Last?
The protective effect of SDF can last for several months, and it may need reapplication during regular dental check-ups to maintain its benefits.
Is SDF Suitable for Children With Dental Crowns or Fillings?
SDF can be used alongside existing crowns or fillings to prevent further decay and protect the remaining tooth structure.
How Does SDF Compare to Traditional Fillings in Terms of Effectiveness?
SDF is highly effective in stopping decay and preventing new cavities, but unlike fillings, it does not restore the tooth's structure. It’s often used as a preventative measure or when traditional fillings are not feasible.
Discover the Benefits of SDF for Your Child
If you’re interested in learning more about how silver diamine fluoride can improve your child’s oral health, schedule a consultation at Dental Kidz Club by calling one of our California office locations below:Â
- Brea: 562-691-3788
- Chino: 909-328-6869
- Corona:Â 951-404-5759
- Covina: 626-328-4930
- Ontario: 909-978-9757
- Perris:Â 951-425-4988
- Riverside: 951-395-0024
