Fluoride
Fluoride helps prevent cavities by collecting in the growing bones and developing teeth of children, helping to harden the enamel on baby and adult teeth before they emerge. Fluoride also helps to harden the enamel on adult teeth that have already emerged. Professional fluoride treatments at Milani Family Dental take just a few minutes, but the benefits last much longer.
What kind of fluoride treatments are available?
Fluoride may be in the form of varnish, foam, or a solution. Typically, this form of preventative dental care is applied with a cotton swab or brush, used as a rinse, or placed in a tray that is held in the mouth for a few minutes. After the preventative treatment, you may be asked not to eat, drink, or rinse for at least 30 minutes to let the teeth absorb the fluoride and help repair microscopic carious areas. Fluoride treatments may be recommended every three, six, or 12 months depending on your oral health condition. We may recommend additional preventive measures if you are at a moderate or high risk of developing caries. These measures may include over-the-counter products or a prescription for therapeutic products such as fluoride mouth rinses, gels, or antibacterial mouth rinses.
What is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is an FDA-approved medication that helps to reduce sensitivity, arrest cavities, and prevent further progression of dental infection.
How does Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) work?
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) has two active ingredients: silver acts as an anti-microbial agent that kills the harmful bacteria that causes tooth decay, while fluoride helps to prevent additional decay.
When is Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) recommended?
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) might be recommended for (but not limited to) the following patients:
- Children who have severe tooth decay
- Elderly adults with root decay and decay underneath crowns
- Patients with special needs
What else do I need to know about Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF)?
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is an excellent tool to arrest tooth decay. It can be a first action treatment for dental decay before placing a filling. SDF prevents dental infection from spreading. Thus, patients can postpone the filling procedure without risking their health. Some minor risks could be associated with this treatment, such as staining the tooth a dark silver color if there is an area of decay. However, healthy teeth will not stain.
Can I just have a filling instead of having crowns?
The reason you may need a crown instead of a filling is that there is insufficient tooth or a damaged tooth structure remaining that is unable to support a filling. Eventually, the inadequate or damaged tooth structure with a filling would result in a cracked tooth and cause further complications.
If you’d like more information, please contact Dr. Lee and Dr. Milani to schedule a consultation to determine the best preventative dental treatment for you or your child.