Mom-Founded. Female-Owned. Family-Focused Care.
December 16, 2025
As a parent, seeing a cavity on your child’s tooth can feel overwhelming. Thankfully, modern pediatric dentistry offers gentle and effective ways to treat it. At Pinky Promise Pediatric Dentistry in Naperville, IL, Dr. Neelon Patel, both a board-certified pediatric dentist and a mom, understands the importance of choosing the right treatment for your child’s comfort and health.
Two common options you might hear about are SDF and traditional fillings. While they both address cavities, they do so in very different ways. Here’s what you need to know to make the best decision for your little one’s smile.
Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) is a minimally invasive treatment used to stop cavity progression without the need for drilling or numbing. It’s an ideal choice for young children, those with dental anxiety, or kids with special healthcare needs who might have trouble sitting through more involved procedures. Here’s why parents often consider SDF:
At Pinky Promise Pediatric Dentistry, we champion this gentle approach when it fits your child’s needs, keeping comfort and emotional reassurance front and center.
Fillings have long been the standard for treating many cavities, especially when the decay is larger or affects areas where function and aesthetics are important. These areas include chewing surfaces or front teeth.
This option restores the tooth structure after removing decay and is designed to last for years. Traditional fillings may be the right choice when:
Dr. Neelon Patel takes time to walk families through the pros and cons, ensuring everything is explained in a clear, friendly manner that makes parents and children alike feel supported and informed.
Every child is different. So is every tooth. Choosing between SDF and fillings depends on multiple factors, including your child’s age, tolerance for dental procedures, the size and location of the cavity, and even aesthetic preferences. Here’s a quick breakdown:
Our compassionate team at Pinky Promise Pediatric Dentistry carefully assesses these elements to recommend a treatment that supports your child’s emotional well-being and long-term oral health.
At our mom-founded, female-owned practice in Naperville, we understand that every family’s situation is unique. Every child’s smile is as well. Whether your child is best suited for the simplicity of SDF or the durability of a filling, we take a preventive and minimalistic approach to keep them comfortable and confident during every step of their visit.
Our nurturing environment, with TVs above every chair, a play space, and even a prize wall, helps turn what could be a stressful experience into something joyful and empowering for kids of all ages. For children with special healthcare needs, or those who may benefit from sedation dentistry, Dr. Patel also offers specialized solutions tailored to their comfort and developmental stage.
If you're wondering whether silver diamine fluoride or a traditional filling is the best choice for your child, you don’t have to make that decision alone. Dr. Neelon Patel and the kind, experienced team at Pinky Promise Pediatric Dentistry are here to help guide you with honesty, warmth, and expertise. Call us at (630) 687-9292 to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward a stress-free, compassionate dental experience your child will love.
We accept all PPO insurance plans. We do not accept Medicaid or HMO policies. For our uninsured patients, ask us about our Membership Plan, Pinky Perks!
