-p-500.png)
Silver Diamine Fluoride
Silver Diamine Fluoride (SDF) is a minimally invasive treatment that helps slow down the progression of cavities in children. At Up Pediatric Dentistry, we use SDF as a conservative option for certain cavities, especially when traditional treatment may not be the best immediate choice for your child.
Why should I choose Silver Diamine Fluoride?
At Up Pediatric Dentistry, we understand that every child’s dental needs are different. Silver Diamine Fluoride provides a gentle approach for managing cavities while helping preserve healthy tooth structure whenever possible.
Our pediatric dental team carefully evaluates your child’s cavity, oral health, and overall comfort before recommending SDF treatment. We focus on creating a positive experience while helping parents understand all available treatment options.
Did You Know?
51% of kids between the ages of 5-11 have at least one cavity. If left untreated, cavities can lead to further complications like tooth infections.
Meet Our Pediatric Dentists
Pediatric Dentist, Board-Certified & Mother
Get To Know Dr. Breanna Barnes
Dr. Breanna Barnes’s journey into dentistry is one of rediscovery and passion, deeply rooted in her childhood in Olathe, Kansas. Growing up as the daughter of a pediatric dentist, she spent summers immersed in the day-to-day operations of her father’s practice. While initially envisioning a future in medical science or interior design, it wasn’t until college that she realized how dentistry uniquely combines her love of science, creativity, and helping others.
After graduating with honors from Southern Methodist University, Dr. Barnes went on to earn her dental and public health degrees at the Arizona School of Dentistry and Oral Health. Her dedication to specialized pediatric care led her to complete a residency at the University of Tennessee, where she also earned a Master of Dental Science. As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Barnes has advanced training in infant frenectomies, laser dentistry, and esthetic restorations like zirconia crowns, enabling her to provide gentle, comprehensive care tailored to each child’s needs.
Driven by a vision to provide compassionate, quality-focused care, Dr. Barnes opened Songbird Pediatric Dentistry to create a welcoming, patient-first practice. Recognizing a need in Fairview, she established the area’s first pediatric dental office, adopting a mom-run, non-corporate approach to dental care. Shortly after, she acquired Up Pediatric Dentistry, where she continues to make exceptional pediatric dental care available to her community. At both of her practices, her goal is to create an environment where every family feels genuinely valued and supported.
Dr. Barnes is particularly passionate about serving children with special needs, including those on the autism spectrum, and infants experiencing nursing challenges due to lip or tongue ties. Her holistic philosophy extends beyond treating dental concerns to addressing underlying causes and preventing future issues. Her mission is to make every child’s dental visit a positive, fun, and supportive experience.
Outside of the office, Dr. Barnes is a wife and proud mother of two toddlers. She enjoys baking gluten-free desserts, exploring antique shops, staying active, and spending time in nature. Both her professional expertise and personal experiences as a parent influence her warm, empathetic approach to pediatric dentistry.
Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist & Mother
Get To Know Dr. Sara Ahmed
Dr. Sara Ahmed was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and is proud to now call Nashville home after relocating from Boston, Massachusetts. Before moving to Nashville, she served as a full-time faculty member in the Department of Dentistry at Boston Children’s Hospital and as an Instructor in Developmental Biology at Harvard School of Dental Medicine.
Dr. Ahmed completed her pediatric dental residency at the Eastman Institute for Oral Health at the University of Rochester. She earned her Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine, where she graduated with honors in community service, and received her Bachelor of Science degree with high distinction from the University of Michigan.
As a board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Ahmed has extensive experience caring for children with complex medical and special healthcare needs. She is passionate about providing compassionate, individualized care and has had the opportunity to lecture on pediatric dental topics both locally and nationally. She is also fluent in Arabic and Urdu.
Outside of dentistry, Dr. Ahmed loves cooking, practicing yoga, and exploring everything Nashville has to offer. She is always excited to discover a new restaurant or coffee shop and enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters. Most of all, she loves being a mom and is grateful to be putting down roots and building a life with her family in Nashville.
Get Peace-of-Mind
We understand that you want to understand all of your child’s options before proceeding. That’s why we are happy to extend complimentary second opinions. If you’ve recently gotten a treatment plan from another office that you’re not sure of, feel free to bring it by!
Free Second Opinions!
Gentle Cavity Management
Personalized Treatment Plans
Specialized Care for Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment
Minimally Invasive Cavity Care
Silver Diamine Fluoride offers a conservative way to manage certain cavities without traditional drilling. The quick application process helps children receive cavity treatment while preserving more natural tooth structure.
Comfortable Option for Young or Anxious Children
Some children may benefit from SDF when sitting through longer dental procedures is challenging. Its simple application makes it a useful option for children who need a gentler approach to cavity management.
Personalized Treatment Based on Your Child’s Dental Needs
SDF is not used for every cavity. A pediatric dentist evaluates the tooth condition, cavity location, and overall oral health to determine whether SDF or another treatment option is the right choice.
The Benefits of Silver Diamine Fluoride
Helps Slow Cavity Progression
Silver Diamine Fluoride helps arrest the progression of certain cavities by targeting decay-causing bacteria and strengthening the affected tooth surface. It provides a conservative option for managing tooth decay without immediately removing tooth structure.
Minimally Invasive Treatment Option
SDF does not require drilling or removing decay before application, making it a less invasive approach for managing some cavities. This can be especially helpful for children who may benefit from a simpler treatment experience.
Quick and Simple Application
The SDF application process is completed in a short time during a dental visit. Its easy application makes it a convenient option for certain children who need cavity management.
Helps Preserve Baby Teeth
By slowing cavity progression, SDF may help maintain baby teeth until they naturally fall out. Keeping primary teeth healthy supports chewing, speech development, and proper guidance for permanent teeth.
Useful for Children Who Need Conservative Care
SDF can be considered for children who have difficulty tolerating traditional restorative procedures or when a minimally invasive approach is preferred based on their dental needs.
Supports Access to Affordable Cavity Management
Because SDF is easy to apply and does not require traditional cavity removal, it can provide a cost-effective option for managing certain cavities when recommended by a pediatric dentist.
Free Second Opinions!
Gentle Cavity Management
Personalized Treatment Plans
Get Peace-of-Mind
We understand that you want to understand all of your child’s options before proceeding. That’s why we are happy to extend complimentary second opinions. If you’ve recently gotten a treatment plan from another office that you’re not sure of, feel free to bring it by!
The Silver Diamine Fluoride Treatment Process
Dental Examination and Treatment Evaluation
The process begins with a complete evaluation of your child’s teeth. A pediatric dentist examines the cavity, checks its location and severity, and determines whether Silver Diamine Fluoride is an appropriate treatment option for your child’s specific needs.
Preparing the Tooth for Treatment
Before applying SDF, the dentist cleans the affected tooth area and removes any food particles or debris. The tooth is gently dried, and the surrounding gums and soft tissues are protected to help prevent accidental staining.
Applying Silver Diamine Fluoride
Once the area is prepared, a small amount of SDF solution is carefully applied directly to the cavity using a dental applicator. The solution is allowed to absorb into the affected area, helping slow cavity progression.
Reviews From Nashville Families
Why Parents Trust Up Pediatric Dentistry
Frequently Asked Questions
Convenient Location for Parents around Nashville, TN
Up Pediatric Dentistry is conveniently located at 2829 Columbine Pl, Nashville, TN 37204, making it easy for families throughout Nashville and nearby communities to access specialized pediatric dental care. Our office proudly serves infants, children, teens, and children with special healthcare needs, providing comprehensive dental services in a comfortable and child-friendly environment.
Families from 12 South, Berry Hill, Belmont, Green Hills, Hillsboro Village, West End, and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities can easily reach our practice for routine checkups, preventive care, emergency dental visits, and specialized pediatric treatments. Our team is committed to providing convenient, personalized dental care close to home while helping children build healthy smiles that last a lifetime.
