Services
What Is Silver Diamine Fluoride?
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a powerful fluoride solution used to stop the progression of early tooth decay in children. At Kind Heart Dental in Santa Maria, CA, Dr. Christiane Trigueros offers SDF as a safe, non-invasive treatment for young patients who may not be ready for fillings. It’s especially useful for baby teeth, early cavities, and patients with dental anxiety.
How It Works
A Simple 3-Step Process
Step 1
Evaluate the Tooth
We examine your child’s teeth to determine if SDF is the right choice for treating early decay.
Step 2
Apply the Fluoride Solution
The liquid is brushed onto the affected tooth surface—no drilling or numbing required.
Step 3
Monitor and Reapply if Needed
We check the treated tooth at future visits and reapply if necessary to keep decay from progressing
Why Silver Diamine Fluoride Is Great for Kids
SDF is ideal for young or anxious children and provides fast, effective cavity control.
- Stops cavities from getting worse
- Quick, painless application
- No needles, drilling, or numbing
- Great for baby teeth and hard-to-treat areas
- Helps delay or avoid more invasive treatments
Why Choose Kind Heart Dental?
At Kind Heart Dental, we’re dedicated to providing gentle, kid-friendly care that puts your child’s comfort first. Dr. Christiane Trigueros uses Silver Diamine Fluoride to protect growing smiles with minimal stress or discomfort. We explain every step to both children and parents, and we take a preventive, compassionate approach to managing early decay in a way that’s safe, effective, and calming for even the most nervous little ones
Frequently Asked Questions
SDF is used to stop active tooth decay in its early stages, especially in baby teeth or when traditional fillings aren’t ideal.
SDF can darken the area where decay is present, which is a sign it’s working. Healthy tooth areas remain unchanged.
Yes. It’s approved for pediatric use and has been proven safe and effective for managing early childhood cavities.
Not always. SDF can delay or eliminate the need for a filling, but we’ll monitor the tooth closely over time.
Most cases need one to two applications per year, depending on the severity and progression of the decay.