A simple, painless way to stop cavities in their tracks — no drilling required.
Per tooth treatment time
No drilling, shots, or numbing
Ideal for young children
Silver Diamine Fluoride, commonly called SDF, is a clear liquid that your child’s dentist applies directly to a cavity. It works by stopping the decay from getting any worse — without the need for drilling, numbing, or sedation.
SDF has been used around the world for decades and was approved by the FDA for use in the United States. It is one of the simplest and least invasive tools we have for managing cavities in young children, and it can make a real difference for families dealing with early childhood tooth decay.
SDF contains two active ingredients that work together to fight cavities: Silver kills the harmful bacteria that cause tooth decay and helps prevent new bacteria from forming on the treated area. Fluoride strengthens the remaining tooth structure by remineralizing the enamel around the cavity. Together, these ingredients stop the cavity from progressing. The decay does not disappear, but it hardens and becomes inactive. Think of it like pressing a pause button on the cavity so it can no longer cause damage.
We gently clean the surface of the tooth around the cavity, then place cotton or gauze around the tooth to keep the area dry.
Using a tiny brush, we paint a small drop of SDF directly onto the cavity. There is no shot, no drilling, and no discomfort.
We allow the SDF to absorb into the tooth for about one minute. That's it — your child can eat and drink normally afterward with no recovery time at all.
It's a game-changer for very young or anxious children who may not be ready to sit through traditional dental work. During your child's appointment, we will evaluate the cavity and talk with you honestly about whether SDF is the best option or if another approach would be more appropriate.
SDF is not the right choice for every situation, but it can be an excellent option in the right circumstances.
Children ages 1–3 who have cavities but are too young to sit still for fillings or other restorative work.
Children who may have difficulty tolerating longer dental procedures benefit from this quick, gentle approach.
A no-drill approach that builds positive dental experiences for children who are nervous about the dentist.
SDF permanently stains the treated cavity dark brown or black. Healthy tooth structure is not affected. For many families, this is a worthwhile tradeoff to avoid drilling.
For the best results, SDF is typically reapplied in six weeks to ensure decay remains inactive.
SDF stops decay but does not restore the tooth's shape. Your child may still need a filling or crown. It is not a substitute for good daily oral care.
Real reviews from real families who trust Junior Smiles.
Answers from our board-certified pediatric dentists.
Other services that may complement or follow SDF treatment.
A frenectomy is a quick, gentle procedure that can make a lasting difference for your child. Schedule an evaluation today to find out if your child could benefit.
