Silver Diamine Fluoride in Palos Heights, IL
Pediatric Use of Silver Diamine Fluoride
Silver diamine fluoride is a non-invasive liquid medication that is proven to be very effective in arresting, or stopping, tooth decay. Unlike other treatment methods used to treat tooth decay such as fillings, silver diamine fluoride is applied to the teeth by a dentist with a brush. Silver diamine fluoride has been approved by the FDA for tooth sensitivity, but it is also very a useful "off-label" for the treatment of tooth decay. The active ingredient in silver diamine fluoride is silver, a compound used in medicine for over a century because of its potent antimicrobial properties. Interestingly, it is very effective at killing the bacteria that is known to cause tooth decay.
Traditional Treatment for Tooth Decay in Children
Historically, our options for restorative treatment have remained largely the same. For baby teeth with cavities, the treatment options range from fillings to crowns to extractions. In young or anxious children, or children with complex medical needs, these types of traditional treatment can become very complicated. Often for young or anxious children, general anesthesia is indicated in order to restore function and prevent pain and infection.
While general anesthesia is certainly indicated in some cases, it is always our goal to provide parents with as many options as possible so that you can make an informed decision about your child’s dental care. Having an alternative option that is non-invasive and more economical is a great benefit to many of our patients.
Alternative Treatment for Tooth Decay in Children
Silver diamine fluoride has been integrated into our practice for a variety of reasons. It can be a great option for very anxious children and may sometimes reduce the need for anesthesia for dental procedures. Additionally, it can be used on baby teeth that are nearing exfoliation, which spares unnecessary fillings or other intensive dental work on teeth that are on their way out. The significant side effect of silver diamine fluoride is discoloration. Healthy tooth surfaces remain undisturbed, but tooth decay (which is usually brown in color) turns very dark, nearly black, after application. This discoloration is what we look for during follow-up appointments to know that the medication was effective. Initially we believed that this dark discoloration would deter parents from choosing this option, but we have found that there are many parents who are happy to have an option that restores the health of their child’s teeth without the needs for more invasive treatment. The dark discoloration has sparked many conversations between our patients and their friends or relatives, and our patients are always quick to mention that we were able to avoid the expense and risk of anesthesia with a non-invasive option. It has also started conversations between parents about cavity prevention. Our families leave the office with a lot of knowledge about cavity prevention that they are able to share with family and friends, hopefully helping to prevent cavities in a great number of children!
Cosmetic Options in the Future
Using silver diamine fluoride to treat tooth decay in very young children results in dark discoloration of the decayed area. While many parents are just happy to have an alternative to more 
invasive options, some parents are left with cosmetic concerns, especially as their children enter their school-aged years. Using silver diamine fluoride does not eliminate more cosmetic options, such as white fillings, in the future. In many instances, we are able to use silver diamine fluoride while children are very young or anxious, and as they mature we can later restore their teeth with more conventional treatment without the use of anesthesia or sedation. We feel this is a very good compromise between health and aesthetics.
Contact Us To Discuss Treatment Options in Palos Heights
There are many factors to consider when deciding which treatment modality is most appropriate for your child. Silver diamine fluoride is a very effective method for managing tooth decay in young or anxious children, and for teeth that are close to falling out on their own. It is non-invasive and very economical. If you'd like more information regarding the use of silver diamine fluoride for your child, please contact our office to schedule an appointment! You can also check out a more detailed breakdown of dental costs here.
Frequently Asked Questions
If your child has a cavity and needs restorative treatment, the traditional treatment options were fillings, dental crowns, or extractions. Unfortunately, for a young child, especially a child with dental anxiety, these treatments were often challenging.
The good news is that we have a different way to help prevent and stop tooth decay: silver diamine fluoride. So, what is it, and how does it work?
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
This antibiotic liquid strengthens your child’s teeth and protects them from tooth decay. Originally approved as a treatment for tooth sensitivity, silver diamine fluoride can be used every six to 12 months on young patients at higher risk of tooth decay.
Silver is the active ingredient in silver diamine fluoride. Silver has strong antibacterial properties and is effective at killing bacteria that cause tooth decay.
The procedure is simple: We dry your child’s tooth and apply the silver diamine fluoride, allowing it to dry for one minute. That’s it!
Questions about Silver Diamine Fluoride in Palos Heights, IL?
If you want to speak with a dental team member about silver diamine fluoride, we will happily assist you! At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, your child’s oral health is our top priority. Contact our dental office at (708) 263-6708 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
As a parent, you never want your child to feel pain or discomfort. So, if your dentist tells you your child has a cavity, the thought of drilling their tooth can cause anxiety and stress for you and your child, especially if they’re very young.
That’s why we use silver diamine fluoride in certain dental situations, but is SDF a permanent solution for cavities? Keep reading to learn more.
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Silver diamine fluoride, or SDF, is a noninvasive liquid medication that stops tooth decay. Instead of drilling your child’s tooth, we can paint SDF onto it with a brush. SDF effectively kills cavity-causing bacteria; its active ingredient is silver, which has strong antimicrobial properties.
Is SDF a Permanent Solution?
Although silver diamine fluoride is a viable option for very young children, it is a temporary treatment. To maintain its effectiveness, SDF needs to be reapplied every several months. Also, SDF doesn’t replace the need for tooth-colored fillings or crowns later on.
Want to Learn More about Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment in Palos Heights, IL?
If you have questions about SDF and want to speak with a dental team member, we’d be happy to assist you! At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we work with you to help your child achieve the best oral health possible.
Please call us at (708) 263-6708 for more information or to schedule an appointment.
Meet Our Doctor:
Richard Facko DDS, MS
Meet Dr. Richard Facko: Your Pediatric Dentist
Dr. Richard Facko, DDS, is the founder and Pediatric Dentist at Palos Pediatric Dentistry, PC. Since founding the practice in 2013, he has been dedicated to providing a high level of care for the families in his hometown. Dr. Facko has been a pediatric dentist since 2012 and loves guiding child patients toward finding the confidence in themselves to experience the dentist without fear.
Education & Certifications
Dr. Facko's roots are in the Southwest Suburbs of Chicago, where he grew up and attended Palos 128 and ...
Featured Blog Posts - Silver Diamine Fluoride
Exploring the Benefits: Silver Diamine Fluoride in Pediatric Dentistry
Embracing innovative approaches to pediatric dental care is crucial for maintaining children's oral health and minimizing their discomfort. One such advancement is silver diamine fluoride (SDF), a minimally invasive treatment that offers potentially revolutionary benefits for young patients.
Silver Diamine Fluoride: What It Is and How It’s Used in Pediatric Dentistry
Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid compound containing silver, fluoride, and ammonia. When applied to a child's affected tooth, it arrests decay and promotes remineralization. This non-invasive treatment helps prevent the progression of cavities without the need for extensive drilling. ...
Kids and Cavities: Silver Diamine Fluoride to the Rescue!
Your child's growing smile is precious, and our pediatric dentist Dr. Richard Facko can help your little one keep their teeth healthy. At Palos Pediatric Dentistry, we use Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) to treat hypersensitivity, tooth decay, and cavities in children.
What Is SDF?
Silver Diamine Fluoride is an FDA-approved antibiotic liquid used to control and prevent dental caries. This noninvasive method is an alternative to removing decay and filling a cavity in young children with baby teeth.
How Does SDF Work?
SDF's antibacterial properties slow or stop tooth decay from progressing. Fluoride increases ...