When parents hear the word “cavity,” they often assume it means their child will need a filling or crown. But in pediatric dentistry, we have another tool that can stop cavities from progressing without drills or injections: silver diamine fluoride (SDF).
At Destination Pediatric Dentistry in Round Rock, we use SDF as a minimally invasive way to protect children’s teeth, especially when traditional treatment isn’t possible or ideal.
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid solution that combines two powerful ingredients:
- Silver – which kills bacteria that cause cavities.
- Fluoride – which strengthens enamel and helps prevent future decay.
When applied directly to a cavity, SDF stops the decay from spreading further. It doesn’t restore the tooth’s shape like a filling does, but it prevents the cavity from getting worse.
A Brief History of SDF
Silver has been used for its antibacterial properties for centuries. Silver diamine fluoride was first developed in Japan in the 1960s and has been used there and in other countries for decades. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved SDF for use in the United States in 2014, and since then, it has become an important tool in pediatric dentistry.
How SDF Helps Prevent the Progression of Decay
When SDF is painted onto a cavity in a baby tooth:
- The silver ions kill harmful bacteria.
- The fluoride ions remineralize and strengthen the surrounding enamel.
- The cavity is “arrested,” meaning it stops progressing deeper into the tooth.
This process buys valuable time—especially for young children—by allowing the baby tooth to remain in place and functional until it naturally falls out.
Silver Diamine Fluoride: How it is applied
Application is quick, painless and easy.
- Dr Matson will dry the tooth we are applying the SDF to and attempt to isolate the tooth from saliva during the application with a cotton roll or gauze.
- The SDF is painted directly onto the lesion or at the contact point of two teeth if the cavity is starting between the teeth
- He will continue to apply the SDF and isolate the tooth for approximately 60 seconds
- After 60 seconds, we wipe the tooth of any excess (because of the metallic flavor) and remove our cotton rolls/gauze from the child’s mouth
Somewhere between 2 and 6 weeks later we will recommend a second application of the SDF to give us an even better chance of arresting the lesion.
Advantages of Silver Diamine Fluoride
Parents often appreciate the many benefits of SDF, which include:
- Minimally invasive – No shots, no drills, and no removal of tooth structure.
- Quick and painless – Application takes only a few minutes and is well-tolerated by young children.
- Cost-effective – Typically less expensive than fillings or crowns.
- Great for young children or those with special needs – Especially helpful for kids who may not be able to cooperate for longer procedures.
- Can delay or avoid sedation – In cases where multiple cavities are present, SDF can be used as a temporary solution until a child is ready for traditional treatment.
The Main Disadvantage of SDF
The biggest drawback of SDF is aesthetic: the treated cavity area turns a blackish color. While this shows that the treatment is working, some parents find it less desirable for front teeth where the discoloration is visible.
It’s important to note that only the decayed portion of the tooth stains black—the healthy enamel around it remains unaffected.
Is Silver Diamine Fluoride Right for Your Child?
SDF isn’t the right choice for every cavity or every child, but it can be a powerful tool when used thoughtfully. For many families, the advantages of stopping decay without drills or anesthesia far outweigh the downside of the black stain.
At Destination Pediatric Dentistry in Round Rock, we offer silver diamine fluoride treatments for children and are happy to discuss whether it’s a good option for your child’s needs.
A Gentle Step Toward a Healthy Smile
Silver diamine fluoride is one of the most exciting advancements in modern pediatric dentistry. By stopping cavities in their tracks in a safe, painless, and minimally invasive way, SDF helps children maintain healthier smiles—and helps parents avoid more stressful dental experiences.
If you’d like to learn more about silver diamine fluoride for kids in Round Rock, contact our office today. We’ll help you explore the best treatment options to keep your child’s smile healthy and strong.