SDF stops cavities without needles or drilling, ideal for very young or anxious children. Available at Waterdown Kids Dentistry, (289) 799-3355.
Silver diamine fluoride is a liquid that is brushed onto a cavity. The silver kills the bacteria driving the decay and the fluoride hardens the remaining tooth structure. Applied properly, it arrests the cavity (stops it progressing) without a needle, without drilling, and without any discomfort. The application takes about a minute per tooth.
SDF permanently stains the arrested decay black. On a back baby tooth this is usually invisible and irrelevant. On a front tooth it is noticeable, and some families find that unacceptable, which is a perfectly reasonable position. We will always show you what to expect and let you decide. In many cases we use SDF as a holding measure to stabilize a tooth now and restore it properly later, when a child is older and better able to cope.
Not always. SDF stops decay but does not rebuild lost tooth structure or restore chewing surfaces. For large cavities it is often a first step rather than the whole treatment. We are frank about which situation your child is in.
No. There is no needle and no drilling. Some children mention a brief metallic taste.
Typically every six to twelve months, checked at routine visits, until the tooth is restored or naturally lost.
SDF is approved for use in Canada and has a long safety record. It is not used in children with a silver allergy or on areas of ulcerated gum tissue.
We are welcoming founding families ahead of our September 2026 opening in Waterdown.