Downey Park Family Dentistry is excited to announce that our offices are reopen to serve our community. We are taking additional special measures to ensure the health and safety of our patients and team, and appreciate your understanding that things will look and function a bit differently in our office for the time being.
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is an FDA-approved treatment for dental caries, commonly known as cavities. It's a colorless liquid composed of silver, water, fluoride, and ammonia. The silver acts as an antimicrobial agent, the fluoride aids in remineralizing the tooth, and the ammonia stabilizes the solution. This potent mixture is applied directly to the tooth decay, arresting its progress and preventing further damage. It's a non-invasive, painless, and cost-effective treatment that has been widely used in countries like Japan for decades, and is now gaining popularity in the United States, including right here in Modesto.
Silver Diamine Fluoride was first used in dentistry in Japan over 80 years ago!
The first step in the Silver Diamine Fluoride treatment process involves a comprehensive dental examination by Dr. Chris Ha at First Smiles Children's Dentistry. During this consultation, he will assess your child's oral health and determine if SDF is the most suitable treatment option. This involves examining the extent of tooth decay, the number of cavities, and the child’s ability to cooperate during treatment. The consultation also provides an opportunity for parents to ask questions and understand the process better.
Once it's determined that SDF is the right treatment, the next step is the application. The affected tooth is first dried, then the SDF solution is applied directly to the cavity using a microbrush. The solution is left to dry for about one to two minutes. The process is completely painless, making it a great option for children who are anxious about dental procedures.
The final step of the process is the follow-up appointment. This is scheduled a few weeks after the initial application to assess the effectiveness of the treatment. In some cases, a second or third application of SDF may be necessary. Regular dental check-ups following the treatment are also essential to ensure the continued health of your child’s teeth.
Silver Diamine Fluoride is painless and can stop tooth decay from progressing. Do you have more questions or are you ready to schedule? Please contact First Smiles Children’s Dentistry and Dr. Chris Ha for more information.
All the 20 baby teeth will fall out before your child becomes an adult.