There’s no getting around the fact that many people are anxious about dental visits – and little ones are especially prone to feeling frightened. Madison No Fear Dentistry has made it their mission to make visits a positive experience for ALL, especially their littlest patients. From blankets and eye masks to TV screens with Netflix, they truly go above and beyond to make each visit as comfortable as possible. So it’s no surprise that they have found another way to help their youngest patients deal with one of the most traumatic parts of dental care: CAVITIES.
Madison No Fear Dentistry is now offering a new type of treatment for cavities, and it is FAR less invasive and traumatic than traditional methods. Silver Diamine Fluoride is a topically applied medicine that can help “pause” cavities, stopping the progression of decay. This is a great option for little ones that may not be able to cooperate/tolerate traditional numbing and filling techniques.
Here are a few quick details about Silver Diamine Fluoride:
WHAT IS IT:
It’s a topically applied liquid medicine that is scrubbed onto cavities.
HOW IS IT APPLIED:
It is applied with a small brush over the infected tooth. The liquid stays on the tooth for one minute and then is rinsed off. That’s it!
HOW DOES IT WORK:
The silver acts as an antimicrobial and helps kill the bacteria in the cavity while the fluoride helps promote remineralization of the tooth
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST:
It typically lasts between 6 weeks and 3 months and then would need to be reapplied
WHY USE SILVER DIAMINE FLUORIDE INSTEAD OF TRADITIONAL METHODS:
There are a number of reasons this treatment is a good option. Some children are too young/frightened to sit still while their mouth is numbed and the cavity is filled. This treatment could buy time, even years, without the cavity getting worse.
Or, perhaps someone has multiple cavities that can’t all be treated in one sitting. This can help stop the decay and prevent the cavity from getting worse before it can be fixed.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?:
One treatment costs around $100
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS:
Silver Diamine Fluoride will stain the tooth black
DOES IT WORK FOR ADULTS, TOO?
Yes! This treatment can be used on anyone, and adults choose this option for a variety of reasons. For example, if someone has a lot of cavities, this can help spread out the cost and the treatment over time while stopping the damage from getting worse.
For more information about Silver Diamine Fluoride, or our friends at Madison No Fear Dentistry, visit https://www.madisonnofeardentistry.com/.
I woke up Easter morning with a bad tooth ache, called and left a message for him and was called back in less than 1hour.
Hey, I really enjoyed your post about the things to look for in a dentist. I’m so glad you shared your tips on cavities.