Dentist explaining dental treatment to patient using a dental model in a clinic room.

Silver Diamine Fluoride

Stop Cavities Early

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Treat Early Decay With Silver Diamine Fluoride in Wilmington

If the thought of drilling makes you want to skip your appointment, silver diamine fluoride in Wilmington can change the way you think about dental care. This gentle liquid treatment stops early cavities in their tracks without any numbing or noise. It's applied in minutes and requires no recovery time.

At Porters Neck Dentistry, we believe effective care should also be comfortable care. Our minimally invasive approach to dentistry gives you a stress-free option for managing early decay. Whether you're bringing in a young child or managing your own dental anxiety, you'll love the comfort of this treatment for decay.

Dentist consulting a young patient with a caregiver by her side in a bright dental office.

Keep Your Smile Healthy at Every Age

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) halts cavities and protects your teeth from further decay. We recommend SDF for all ages. It's a great option for preventing decay from occurring in your little ones' teeth or if you're an adult that needs help with tooth sensitivity.

Once applied, silver diamine fluoride begins hardening the softened tissue caused by decay. The cavity is stabilized without any removal of tooth structure.

Because we remove nothing from the tooth, your future restorative options remain available. Your dentist can monitor the tooth and plan any next steps without limitation.

What to Expect During the Silver Diamine Fluoride Process

Applying silver diamine fluoride is a simple and comfortable procedure. Our skilled team gently applies the liquid to the affected teeth using a tiny brush. It arrests decay in just a few minutes.

The process is painless and doesn't require drilling. Numbing usually isn't needed. If your cavity hasn't reached the point of needing a full restoration, this treatment can stop it from progressing.

Kids also respond better to this treatment than traditional methods. It's quick and avoids the sounds and sensations that tend to make young patients anxious.

Visit us for silver diamine fluoride in Wilmington.

5 out of 5 stars - 681 votes

5 Stars (681 Reviews)

Read Why Patients Love Us

Patients appreciate the special care they receive from our team. Check out what they have to say!

5

A wonderful experience. The waiting room is nice, updated and clean, the ladies at the desk are super professional and will help you with all your insurance and payment options. My dental hygienist was super nice, friendly and understanding of my needs being an anxious dental patient! She...
A wonderful experience. The waiting room is nice, updated and clean, the ladies at the desk are super professional and will help you with all your insurance and payment options. My dental hygienist was super nice, friendly and understanding of my needs being an anxious dental patient! She took extra time and care with my teeth which I really appreciated! She made sure I was comfortable. Dr. Dana Shumate is top notch and really friendly! He really knows his stuff but also is kind and genuine. If you want a new dental experience check out this practice, it’s a pleasure going there and especially if you are an anxious patient! 😁

5

I went in for my 6 month cleaning yesterday. The hygienist, Lindsey, was running behind, but worked very efficiently to perform my cleaning. She was thorough, and did a great job. The office personnel is always friendly and welcoming. Dr. Shumate is kind and understanding. I’ve been going to...
I went in for my 6 month cleaning yesterday. The hygienist, Lindsey, was running behind, but worked very efficiently to perform my cleaning. She was thorough, and did a great job. The office personnel is always friendly and welcoming. Dr. Shumate is kind and understanding. I’ve been going to their office for nearly 10 years. If there are ever any issues, they work well to resolve whatever needs attention,

5

I absolutely love everyone at Porter’s Neck Family Dentistry!! I was recommended to this office after moving to NC by almost everyone in my family, for good reason. You are taken care of from the second you walk in to the minute you leave! Dr. Shumate is an amazing asset to have when trying...
I absolutely love everyone at Porter’s Neck Family Dentistry!! I was recommended to this office after moving to NC by almost everyone in my family, for good reason. You are taken care of from the second you walk in to the minute you leave! Dr. Shumate is an amazing asset to have when trying to provide yourself with the best dental care. He removed my wisdom teeth & performed a descaling, & I knew I was in great hands. My recovery time was short & I’ve been feeling great ever since! I’ve seen such an improvement in my dental health as well & I owe it all to this amazing office!

5

The team at Porters Neck Dentistry is always amazing. They are professional, friendly, courteous and always find a way to address any urgent Dental needs I have had. The care my family gets is superb and I would highly highly recommend them.

5

Dr Shumate recently capped 2 of my front teeth. He did a beautiful job with them and went over and above what others dentists have done. I am so very happy with them!! His staff is kind and warm and caring. My husband and I have been going to him for several years and we highly recommend him.

5

Dr. Lauren is an excellent addition to Porter’s Neck Dentistry. I had a very nervous teen getting her first cavity filled. Dr. Lauren took time to answer every one of her questions seriously and reassuringly. She worked quick! My daughter left smiling and feeling confident!

5

This office was wonderful. Staff was friendly and patient with a very nervous daughter. They took the time to explain every procedure and the treatment plan for the future. Dr. Shumate made my daughter feel at ease with his engaging manner. Thank you!

5

Very nice staff. Could not work on my son due to age and was able to refer to another office and was very helpful in doing so. I am horrified of dentist however I will be making an appointment here for myself.

Patient Resources

Commonly Asked Questions About Silver Diamine Fluoride

How can silver diamine fluoride help protect my family's oral health?

Silver diamine fluoride is a safe solution to stop cavities from worsening. When applied to a cavity, it halts bacterial activity and hardens the softened enamel, protecting the surrounding tooth structure from further decay.

What makes silver diamine fluoride a preferred option for cavity care?

Silver diamine fluoride is a minimally invasive treatment that reduces discomfort often associated with cavity care. Unlike traditional fillings, it requires no drilling or injections, so it's a stress-free experience. This makes it ideal if you are seeking gentle yet effective options to treat cavities.

Will the treatment affect the appearance of my teeth?

While silver diamine fluoride effectively halts decay, it does cause dark staining on the treated areas. Our team will discuss cosmetic dentistry options to address esthetics if needed. We'll help you maintain a confident smile and improved oral health.

Is silver diamine fluoride safe for young children? 

Silver diamine fluoride is safe for children of all ages. It contains no harmful ingredients and doesn't require invasive treatment or anesthesia. The application takes just a few minutes, making it one of the most comfortable options available for stopping early decay in kids who feel nervous at the dentist.

How long does a silver diamine fluoride treatment take? 

A silver diamine fluoride treatment typically takes just a few minutes. Your dentist applies the liquid directly to the affected tooth using a small brush. There's no recovery time, no numbness to wear off, and no special aftercare required. You can go about your day immediately after your appointment.

Can silver diamine fluoride replace a filling? 

Silver diamine fluoride stops a cavity from getting worse, but it doesn't restore the shape or function of a tooth the way a filling does. If your decay is caught early enough, SDF may delay or reduce the need for more extensive treatment. Our team will monitor the tooth and recommend the next steps.