SDF is a liquid brushed onto a cavity to help stop it getting worse. No drilling, no numbing, about a minute per tooth. It suits some situations well and others not at all — whether it fits your child is something Dr. Kohan decides after examining the tooth.
SDF is a liquid containing silver and fluoride brushed onto a cavity to stop it progressing. Application takes about one to two minutes per tooth with no drilling and no injection. Treated decay turns dark brown or black permanently. SDF stops decay but does not remove it, so a filling may still be needed later.
Silver diamine fluoride is a clear liquid painted directly onto decayed tooth structure. The silver helps stop the bacteria driving the decay, and the fluoride strengthens what remains of the tooth. Applied to the right tooth in the right situation, it can halt a cavity that would otherwise keep growing.
It is most often considered for very young children, for children who would find a filling appointment genuinely difficult, and where delaying restorative work is reasonable — for instance a baby tooth that is close to falling out anyway.
It is not a replacement for restorative treatment in every case, and it does not work on every cavity.
A two-year-old with a cavity may not be able to sit through a filling appointment. SDF can hold the decay steady until they are old enough to manage treatment, or until the tooth is lost naturally.
Decay caught while it is still shallow responds best. A cavity that has already reached the nerve will not be helped by SDF and needs different treatment.
For a child who finds the drill genuinely distressing, SDF can buy time to build trust across several visits. It is a bridge, not always a destination.
Where a long appointment is not realistic, SDF may fit into an individualized plan. See our approach to special needs dentistry.
The most useful thing a parent can know before saying yes is what SDF is actually for. It is a way of stopping decay where it is, not a way of repairing damage already done.
It can: stop an existing cavity from progressing · strengthen the remaining tooth · reduce sensitivity in a decayed tooth · postpone or sometimes avoid a filling · be repeated at follow-up visits if needed
It cannot: remove or reverse decay that has already happened · rebuild the shape of a broken-down tooth · treat a tooth where decay has reached the nerve · treat an abscess or infection · guarantee a filling will never be needed
A cavity treated with SDF stays a cavity — it just stops growing. The tooth still has a hole in it, and if that hole affects chewing or appearance, a filling or crown may still be the better answer.
Dr. Kohan examines the tooth, sometimes with digital X-rays to check how deep the decay runs, and then explains whether SDF is a sensible option for that particular tooth. We go through the staining, the alternatives, and what happens if you decline. Nothing is applied without your consent.
A minute or two per tooth. Most children are out of the chair before they have decided to be worried about it.
No injection, no drill, no numb lip afterwards to bite. This is the reason it works for children who cannot manage a filling appointment.
Applied to suitable decay, it can arrest the cavity so it stops progressing. Follow-up visits confirm whether it has held.
SDF sits alongside fluoride varnish, sealants, and diet changes as part of preventive dentistry, not instead of them.
The main complaint is a brief metallic taste. There is no lasting discomfort, and children can eat normally straight afterwards.
Suitability depends on the tooth, the depth of decay, your child’s age, and where the tooth sits in the mouth. It is decided at the chair, not in advance.
Meet Our Doctor
Dr. Kohan has over five years of experience creating healthy, confident smiles for children in Chino. His gentle, child-focused approach makes every visit positive and stress-free.
A liquid containing silver and fluoride that is brushed onto a cavity. The silver acts against the bacteria causing decay, and the fluoride hardens the remaining tooth structure. It has been used in dentistry for decades and is FDA-cleared in the United States for treating tooth sensitivity, with arresting decay as a widely accepted off-label use.
No. It stops decay from progressing but does not remove it or rebuild the tooth. The hole remains, it simply stops getting bigger.
No. There is no drilling and no injection. Most children notice a brief metallic taste and nothing else.
The silver reacts with the decayed tooth structure and turns it dark brown or black. Only the decayed part stains, not the healthy enamel around it. The darkening is permanent and cannot be polished off — it is also the visible sign the treatment has worked. On back teeth it is usually hidden; on front teeth it shows, which is why we always discuss it before applying.
It has a long safety record when applied by a dentist in small amounts. It is not used for children with a silver allergy, or where there are mouth ulcers or raw sores in the treatment area. Dr. Kohan reviews your child’s medical history first.
About one to two minutes per tooth. The tooth is dried, the liquid is brushed on, and it is left to absorb briefly.
Sometimes. SDF stops the decay but leaves the hole. If the cavity affects chewing or shows when your child smiles, a filling or crown may still be placed later — often at an age when your child can manage it more easily.
Many plans cover it, and Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) includes it for eligible children. Coverage varies by plan and age, so we verify your benefits before treatment.
Commonly a second application a few weeks after the first, then reviewed at checkups. Some teeth need periodic reapplication to stay arrested.
Only after an examination. It depends on how deep the decay is, which tooth is affected, your child’s age, and whether the tooth is visible when smiling. Some cavities are well suited to SDF and others clearly are not.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Joshua Kohan, DMD — Say Cheese Kids Dental & Orthodontics, Chino, CA.
Last reviewed: 5 August 2026. This page is for general information and is not a substitute for an in-person examination.
Very clean office the staff was amazing. So many neat video games. I would refer Say Cheese Dental to my friends and family.
Priscilla marie VargasThe dentist was very kind and knowledgeable and polite! The staff took the time needed for my 3 boys to feel comfortable and relaxed. We will be here in the next 6.months for there followup and braces!
Brigette NavarroMe encanto el trato del personal todos incluyendo al doctor
Lurdes UrtisMuy amable todo el personal y atentos, respondieron todas mis dudas. Fue una buena opción venir aquí.
Monica MendozaThis was my first visit to Say Cheese Dental, and I was really impressed. The place is super clean, organized, and has a relaxing atmosphere. The staff is kind, patient, and very friendly — they made me feel comfortable from the moment I walked in. I’m happy I chose this office!
LOURDES HERRERAThe staff are Great and explain everything perfectly, they are willing to work on monthly payments with you and they are patiently with you 🙂 would recommend coming by and check them out 🙂
Ivette LopezGreat consultation! The staff was friendly, the orthodontist was knowledgeable and took the time to explain everything clearly. I felt comfortable and confident with the treatment plan. Highly recommend! I will definitely be back!
Natasha HarrisFirst time coming to this kids dental and we had a great experience. Everything was explained so well , will be coming back!
Karen RomeroWe loved it, all very friendly, very professional. The place is very nice, very cozy, tidy and clean, there is parking and easy to get to.
Paulina Maldonado
A first dental visit should not be a financial decision. We accept Medi-Cal (Denti-Cal) and most major PPO plans, and our front desk verifies your coverage before you come in, so you know what is covered ahead of the appointment.
12413 Central Ave, Chino, CA 91710
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Monday to Thursday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday, 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday, closed
We are on Central Avenue in Chino, a short drive from most of the surrounding communities. Siblings can usually be booked back to back, which saves a second trip.
Every child’s situation is different. Dr. Kohan can examine your child’s teeth and tell you honestly whether SDF is a sensible option, or whether something else would serve them better. Families visit us from Chino, Chino Hills, Eastvale, and Ontario.
