Silver Diamine Fluoride
What is silver diamine fluoride?
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF), recently approved for use in the United States, has been shown to be effective in stopping the progression of cavities. Cavities treated with SDF usually turn black and hard. This is a liquid medication applied to the cavity. Stopping cavity progression in all targeted areas may take several applications of SDF, and reapplication may be necessary to sustain progress made in stopping the cavities. Treatment with SDF is a minimally invasive treatment option offered by Dr. Abraham here at Castle Hills Pediatric Dentistry.
Why would silver diamine fluoride treatment be needed?
Many children have a fear of the dentist, and having to get cavities filled can cause a significant amount of anxiety. If a cavity is left untreated, the area of decay can and will get larger. To halt the spread and progression of decay, silver diamine fluoride can be used. This procedure requires no shot or drilling. The silver used will kill the bacteria and the fluoride is used to strengthen the tooth. SDF has been approved for use in the dental field by the Food and Drug Administration, so it is completely safe for children.
Who is a candidate for silver diamine fluoride treatment?
The best candidate for SDF treatment is any patient who has decay on any surface as long as they are accessible with a brush for applying SDF. The cavity should not be involving the nerve and the tooth should have no signs of nerve inflammation or reports of any pain. By halting the progression of decay, your child’s oral health is benefited and the surrounding teeth remain untouched. Here at Castle Hills Pediatric dentistry, we can determine if your child is a good candidate for SDF treatment. With the help of an examination of the area of decay and a review of your child’s dental and medical history, Dr. Abraham will determine if this treatment is right for your child.
White Crowns
White crowns are one of the material of choice for front teeth. This provides esthetics and durable coverage for the tooth. The material can be resin, full porcelain or stainless steel coated with porcelain on the front. Full coverage of the tooth is indicated when a filling cannot be done due to reasons such as large cavities, after baby root canals, fractured tooth and high caries risk children. They are used more frequently in patients whose treatment is performed under sedation or general anesthesia.
A portion of the tooth enamel needs to be removed to accommodate the crown. After Dr. Abraham reshapes the tooth, she places the crown over the natural tooth and holds it in place with dental adhesive.
Silver Crowns
Metal crowns have been indicated for the restoration of primary and permanent teeth with extensive caries, developmental defects on teeth when failure of other available restorative materials is likely, following baby root canals, for the intermediate restoration of fractured teeth, and for definitive restorative treatment for high caries-risk children. They are used more frequently in patients whose treatment is performed under sedation or general anesthesia.
A portion of the tooth enamel needs to be removed to accommodate the crown. After Dr. Abraham reshapes the tooth, she places the crown over the natural tooth and holds it in place with dental adhesive.
Hall Crowns
This is one of the recent minimally invasive technique where a stainless steel crown is placed directly over the baby tooth with cavity with little or no cavity removal. This will provide a seal to the tooth and the bacteria inside the tooth perishes. This procedure can be a valid alternative, particularly when children are unable to accept conventional treatment with local anesthesia or numbing medicine. This technique cannot be done on all cases and proper case selection is needed.
Dr Abraham carefully assess your child if they are a candidate for Hall technique. During the first visit a small elastic is placed between the teeth to create space. After 2-7 days, the patient will return to the office for the removal of elastic, correct size of the crown is obtained and is glued to the tooth with a dental cement or adhesive. This procedure is relatively quick and requires some cooperation. This technique can be combined with the application of silver diamine fluoride.
If your child needs a dental crown, we will work with you to determine the best option to fit your child’s individual situation.
Hall Crown Process
Separators placed in between teeth
Separators removed
Right after cementing crown
What happens during the silver diamine fluoride process?
The process to apply SDF to the teeth is easy, quick and noninvasive. Dr Abraham isolates and dries the tooth. The SDF liquid is painted on the cavity part of the tooth. She will wait few minutes for the liquid to penetrate the tooth and then will dry the tooth afterwards. This procedure is very quick and requires little cooperation. One of the most common side effects of this treatment is black staining of the tooth surfaces that have been treated. At each subsequent dental visit, we will check the tooth to ensure that the decay has not gotten worse. Silver diamine fluoride is incredibly effective at killing the bacteria that causes dental caries, and it’s a great way to avoid having to get a cavity filled!
If you think your child would benefit from SDF treatment, call Castle Hills Pediatric Dentistry today and one of our helpful staff members can further assist you.
Before & After
Before & After
