Emergency Dental Work: Topics, Tricks and Tips

Posted on: 7 September 2022

From a parent's perspective, it can be a little discouraging when a child needs a dental filling in one of their primary baby teeth—but sometimes a filling is unavoidable. Silver in teeth is commonly associated with older-style silver amalgam fillings, but in children's dentistry, a different type of silver can be used to treat cavities—because sometimes, a filling is avoidable. 

Filling a Cavity

Children don't exactly look forward to having a cavity filled. Although to be fair, it's not something adults are overjoyed about. The cavity cannot usually be filled as-is, and a dentist must first remove the decayed portion of the tooth before filling the cavity; otherwise, the progression of this decay can continue—ultimately endangering the entire tooth, or at least meaning that something far more comprehensive than a simple filling will be needed. Before a child's cavity gets to this stage, a dentist may be able to halt its progression by adding silver diamine fluoride to the damaged surface of the tooth.

How It Works

Silver diamine fluoride contains both silver and fluoride, as well as has antibiotic properties. The antibiotic component helps to manage any localised infection that may be underway due to the cavity. The fluoride helps to remineralise the tooth's natural dental enamel (the tough outermost layer of the tooth). The silver then seals the cavity. Your child's cavity has been comprehensively treated without the need for any drilling, sparing your child from any discomfort or anxiety.

Outer Enamel

It must be pointed out that using silver diamine fluoride to treat a child's cavity is only performed on a case-by-case basis, with your child's dental history being taken into account. It's also only effective when the cavity is in its infancy and is largely limited to the tooth's outer enamel. The method won't have the necessary effectiveness for deeper cavities.

The Appearance of the Tooth

The look of the finished treatment is also worth pointing out. Teeth can be noticeably discoloured after the silver diamine fluoride has been applied. This part of the process is unavoidable, and nearby soft tissues (your child's tongue and the lining of their mouth) may also be stained (which will be a darker colour). These soft tissue stains should gradually fade. For these reasons, a dentist may limit the use of silver diamine fluoride to posterior teeth, towards the back of your child's mouth. When a prominent tooth is treated, a cosmetic service may also be needed, such as a temporary dental veneer applied to the tooth to conceal its discolouration.

Although there are some drawbacks to the method, silver diamine fluoride allows a cavity to be effectively stopped in its tracks without the need for drilling. You (and your child) might feel that the benefits far outweigh any drawbacks.

Reach out to a children's dentistry clinic for more information.