We have seen some big changes here at Palos Pediatric Dentistry as of late! Over the last couple of months, Dr. Richard Facko and his dedicated team have had the opportunity to introduce and implement a treatment for cavities that serves as an alternative to the traditional “drill and fill”.
Silver Diamine Fluoride in Palos Heights, IL
What is it? This treatment is known as Silver Diamine Fluoride, or SDF, and treats cavities in a minimally invasive manner. The procedure simply consists of an application of a liquid with a brush. SDF can stop the progression of cavities and also prevents further tooth decay. The treatment ultimately eliminates the bacterial source of cavities so that other teeth in the mouth are not exposed to cavity-causing bacteria, and does so without invasive and expensive restorative treatment. No numbing, drilling or general anesthetic needed.
What does this mean for your child? SDF provides a stress-free alternative for very young or anxious children who would otherwise require sedation or general anesthesia. It has been proven to be safe and up to 96 percent effective.
In addition to the technical benefits, using SDF helps build a positive basis for future dental visits for your young child. Those who are often concerned about how their children will respond to traditional treatments will find themselves very pleased to have such an atraumatic treatment available.
Does this treatment work in every case? Some cases of tooth decay are so severe that they will require surgical reconstruction in the future. SDF is not a cure-all, but it is one of many tools that we have to customize a treatment plan for each individual child. In some cases, SDF is the long-term answer; in other cases, it is a viable way to create more time to plan for more complex procedures. It also allows us to stop the tooth decay process while the child matures and operative procedures are able to be completed without sedation. Also, SDF may be less appropriate in esthetic areas such as the front teeth, as it known to darken the decayed part of the tooth. Keep in mind that here at Palos Pediatric Dentistry we offer a full range of pediatric dental services to see you through the entire process!
Contact Us
Meet with Dr. Facko to take advantage of this treatment! It is revolutionary to be able to treat cavities with medications rather than always having to do so surgically. This alternative is similar to treating a sore throat with antibiotics versus tonsil removal; both have their place but it’s always better to take the less invasive route if possible.
We love watching parents leave our office proud and excited to tell their friends about this new and improved procedure! Palos Pediatric Dentistry is just as thrilled as these parents to finally be treating cavities medically instead of restoratively. Contact our office today to schedule an appointment for your child!
