Little Bytes Services

Silver Diamine Fluoride for Kids in Palo Alto

Most parents and kids want to avoid removing part of a tooth to fill a cavity. Unfortunately, that used to be the only option — except for pulling the tooth! Today, an alternative cavity treatment for children is emerging: silver diamine fluoride.

The best minimally invasive dentistry for children in Palo Alto includes this highly effective treatment. Ask us about this topical solution that can treat childhood dental caries.

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What is Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a liquid medication that has been FDA-approved. It is used to control dental caries by preventing disease progression in children’s teeth.

The traditional way to treat tooth decay is to remove the diseased tissue and place a restoration; however, SDF is a minimally invasive alternative treatment that stops decay and is particularly useful in baby teeth.

Treating your child's teeth with SDF will not replace the need to repair the tooth's function, but it effectively prevents additional decay.

Why Use Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Our dental team might recommend SDF for treating your child's teeth in these situations:

Children with multiple carious lesions that can’t be treated in one visit

Young children who struggle to cooperate during treatment

Children with severe early childhood caries

Patients with special needs

Applying SDF is painless, and most children tolerate the procedure better than traditional treatments.

Is Silver Diamine Fluoride Safe for Kids?

SDF is a safe and effective alternative to treating dental caries, even in young children. However, SDF cannot be used on patients allergic to silver. Patients with canker sores, advanced gum disease, oral ulcerations, or severe tooth decay below the enamel should not be treated with silver diamine fluoride.

Benefits of SDF Treatment

There are many advantages to treating patients with SDF:

Stopping the spread of tooth decay

Relieving sensitivity

Buying time for young, fearful patients or those with special needs

One of the best minimally invasive dentistry treatments for children in Palo Alto

Children treated with Silver Diamine Flouride may spend less time in the dental office because this is a quick procedure that doesn't require special equipment.

Are There Risks in Using Silver Diamine Fluoride?

Like any dental procedure, there are risks associated with this treatment for dental caries. Once the liquid is applied, the affected area becomes stained black. This staining can later be resolved by placing a filling or crown. A child’s healthy tooth structure will not change colors.

If SDF accidentally contacts the skin or gums, a white or brown stain may appear. This will not damage the tissue and will disappear within three weeks. Your child may also have a metallic taste that will quickly go away.

There is no guarantee that SDF will stop a child’s tooth decay. If it does not, the decay will continue to harm the tooth and require further treatment. Another round of SDF may be applied, or additional treatment, such as a filling, root canal, or extraction, may be considered.

Want to leverage the best minimally invasive dentistry treatments for kids in Palo Alto?

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Location & Hours

Little Bytes

853 Middlefield Rd. Suite 2
Palo Alto, CA 94301

(650) 322-9837

Tuesday - Friday 9:00am - 5:00pm

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