Treat Cavities and Tooth Sensitivity with SDF from The Smile Center
Is your child dealing with cavities forming in their baby teeth? While it’s lucky those teeth will eventually fall out, what isn’t lucky is the pain and sensitivity your children will experience in the meantime. Hence, when discovering cavities in your children’s teeth, it’s crucial to find the support of an experienced local dentist. The Smile Center of Peoria supplies our youngest patients with gentle, non-intrusive care to resolve cavities and tooth sensitivity. With silver diamine fluoride (SDF), we can prevent your children’s teeth from experiencing further decay. Call today!
What is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a liquid solution that contains silver and fluoride ions. This unique combination makes it highly effective in preventing cavities and stopping the progression of tooth decay. When applied to teeth, SDF kills harmful bacteria that cause cavities. Silver ions have antibacterial properties that eliminate these bacteria, while fluoride ions help remineralize and strengthen the tooth structure. This process not only stops the cavity from getting worse but also helps to prevent future cavities from forming.
Why is SDF Typically Reserved for Pediatric Use?
Although SDF is especially effective at stopping and preventing further cavities from forming in a tooth, it’s primarily used for young children still with their baby teeth. This is due to the significant discoloration that can occur when SDF interacts with the decayed portion of a tooth. While this staining might be unsightly for permanent teeth, it matters less for baby teeth that will soon be replaced. Hence, SDF is mainly used to treat cavities in young children! Some reasons SDF is an effective pediatric treatment include:
- Non-Invasive Application – SDF is applied topically to the teeth, making it a painless and stress-free experience for young patients who may be anxious about dental visits.
- Quick Treatment – The application of SDF is quick, allowing for minimal time in the dentist’s chair, which is ideal for children who get restless sitting still for too long.
- Cost-Effective – SDF is generally more affordable than other restorative treatments, helping families manage dental care costs effectively.
- Immediate Results – SDF starts working immediately upon application, rapidly halting decay progression and alleviating sensitivity and pain emanating from a cavity.
- Prevents Future Decay – By strengthening tooth enamel and eliminating harmful bacteria, SDF helps prevent new cavities from forming.
- Safe for Sensitive Patients – As a gentle treatment option, SDF is suitable for children with special healthcare needs or those unable to sit through conventional dental procedures.
Treat Your Child’s Cavities with SDF!
Few teeth decay treatment methods for children are more gentle and effective than silver diamine fluoride. If you are interested in SDF treatment for your child’s teeth, contact the dental professionals at The Smile Center of Peoria! Call 309-691-8033 to schedule an appointment and learn more about our pediatric services or those involving general, holistic and cosmetic dentistry. Our main office is located at 1424 W Glen Ave, Peoria, IL 61614.