Icon method – dental treatment without drilling

Principle of procedure

Infiltration CONcept or Icon caries treatment technology is a technique developed by specialists from Germany. The essence of the innovative method of therapy is to treat the affected area of ​​enamel with a synthetic composition, followed by polymerization. The procedure has the following goals:

• sealing of formed pores;
• stopping the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms;
• return to tissues of density lost as a result of exposure to bacteria;
• increasing the resistance of enamel to acids.

Despite its high penetrating ability, the material used to treat enamel caries without drilling using the Icon method does not disrupt the natural composition of dental tissues.

Ozone treatment method for caries

Ozone therapy was developed in England. Unlike other modern methods of treating initial caries, the ozone method is aimed at suppressing tooth-destroying bacteria and subsequent remineralization of dental tissues. But it also allows you to avoid drilling, and therefore anesthesia. In some cases, it is possible to do without a filling! The essence of the method is this: a special device converts oxygen into ozone, which instantly neutralizes carious lesions and destroys harmful bacteria that provoke the destruction of dental tissue. Then the substance “comes out” of the tooth, again being converted into oxygen. Healthy cells remain unaffected, as they are more resistant to oxidation and can withstand the effects of ozone. The procedure lasts about 20 – 40 seconds.

Who can be recommended for caries treatment with ozone? Almost any patient with the initial stage of caries, because ozone cannot cause allergic reactions, as well as irritation of the oral cavity. But if a deep carious process is observed, then you will still have to resort to drilling. In addition, ozone treatment is recommended to everyone without exception as a preventive measure for caries in adults and children. Despite all the advantages of the method, the practice of introducing ozone therapy into dental clinics in Russia is small. The reason for this is the relatively high cost of equipment. To get an idea of ​​how ozone treatment occurs, see the figure below.

Peculiarities

The specificity of caries treatment using the infiltration method with Icon materials is that the procedure is effective only at the initial stage of the disease. The polymer composition is able to stop further tissue destruction at depths of damage E1, E2 and D1.

Depending on the location of the enamel defect, the dentist uses a kit to treat the proximal or vestibular surfaces of the tooth. The kit includes the following items:

• separation wedges for separating teeth in need of treatment from neighboring ones;
• applicators for applying compositions;
• Icon-Etch gel for surface etching;
• IconDry component for drying the working area;
• low viscosity infiltrate Icon-Infiltrant.

The hardening of the composite is carried out under the influence of a light-polymer lamp. The total duration of the procedure does not exceed 30-40 minutes.

Tools for the procedure

How the icon method for caries treatment came about

The name of the Icon technique comes from the abbreviation Infiltration Concept, which translates as “infiltration concept.” It was invented by the DMG company from Germany, was introduced into the practice of European dentists and finally reached Russia. This happened just six years ago. This is a minimally invasive treatment, which is put at the forefront of modern medicine - to interfere with the body’s functioning as little as possible. The Icon principle is based on the fact that a polymer composition is injected into the affected area by a doctor. Its main task is to seal the carious cavity and stop the proliferation of bacteria. In addition, the Icon technique allows you to restore the previous density of dental tissue and make it more resistant to the effects of an acidic environment in the future. Infiltration is an absolutely innovative method in dentistry.

The indication for its use by a doctor is the early stage of caries development - the one when tooth damage occurs in the form of a white or dark spot - radiographically to a depth of no more than one third of the dentin. That is, the carious cavity on the enamel has not yet formed and is not noticeable to the doctor. To determine this, sometimes you have to take an x-ray. Dentists use this technology on proximal surfaces, as well as when enamel is destroyed on the vestibular surfaces of teeth. That is, if there is tooth damage at depths D2 and D3, you will have to use a burr and traditional drilling.

It is especially recommended to use Icon for teeth with caries in places with limited access. For example, in the interdental spaces, where the boron can penetrate with great difficulty. But Icon can be applied to the affected area using thin applicators without any problems. Increasingly, this procedure is recommended to patients after removing braces: often chalky or dark spots form in the areas where orthodontic structures adhere and caries begins to develop. When using the Icon technique, it is possible to stop the development of the disease at an early stage and return the tooth not only to its healthy natural appearance, but also to its natural integrity. In this case, the enamel does not crack, the tooth retains its natural color and transparency.

Stages of treatment

Non-invasive caries treatment with the Icon system is carried out during one patient visit to the dental clinic. The specialist performs the following actions:

• Stage 1.
  Preparatory procedures. The stage includes inspection of the affected units, their cleaning from tartar and bacterial plaque, and polishing. Each element of the row that needs processing is insulated with a rubber dam and dried. To prevent the impact of the medicinal composition on healthy teeth, the affected incisor or molar is moved away from the adjacent ones using separation wedges.
• Stage 2.
  Surface etching. Icon-Etch hydrochloric acid based gel is applied to the tooth to remove the poorly permeable surface layer of enamel. The exposure time of the drug does not exceed two minutes.
• Stage 3.
  Drying with ethanol. Application of the IconDry component allows you to evaluate the quality of removal of chalky stains. If the white spots persist after the surface has dried, the hydrochloric acid-based gel is reapplied. The etching procedure can be repeated up to three times.
• Stage 4.
  Application of Icon-Infiltrant. The first layer of flowing polymer is applied to the entire affected area and dried with a lamp for three minutes. To seal the pores, the composition is re-applied and kept under the lamp for one minute.
• Stage 5.
  At the end of caries treatment without drilling teeth using Icon technology, the dentist polishes the tooth surface to avoid the development of discoloration.

The process of caries treatment with the Icon system

Laser dental treatment without a drill

Treatment of caries with a laser, in other words, laser fluorescence, as well as the above methods, implies the treatment of caries without drilling in the sense in which we are accustomed to understanding drilling and the associated discomfort.
Why does unpleasant pain occur while the drill is working? The fact is that intense heating and friction occurs between the dental drill and enamel, dentin. And to these sensations is added vibration that spreads to the dental tissues. During laser treatment, tissue heating does not occur due to the low radiation power. In addition, laser devices are 20 times quieter than a drill! In this case, the main thing is not to accidentally fall asleep in the dentist’s office. It is not without reason that this method is recommended not only for people with increased sensitivity to pain and sounds, but also for those most sensitive to the perception of external stimuli - pregnant women and children. In addition, the procedure for laser treatment of caries is absolutely sterile - the tip of the installation does not come into contact with the teeth. The laser performs cavity preparation by selectively affecting caries, or, more precisely, only tissue infected with caries. The impact completely suppresses the growth of carious bacteria and eliminates the risk of secondary caries. At the same time, the laser method does not harm healthy teeth, and also does not lead to microcracks in the enamel. And the time spent on treating caries is reduced by about 40% compared to traditional treatment - there is no need to change attachments, and when treating superficial caries, there is no need to use anesthesia. Today, dentistry uses lasers not only as a method of treating caries, but also as a diagnostic method. The second is a significant advantage compared to X-ray diagnostics, since in the case of laser “checking” there is no radiation.

Disadvantages of treating caries without drilling teeth

• high cost of laser installation
• high demands on specialists working with lasers
• treatment requires the use of protective dark glasses by both the patient and the doctor
• glasses with tinted lenses can distort the reality and reduce the clarity of vision
• in some cases, soft tissue damage caused by lasers heals slowly and poorly
• there is also a possibility that the laser will be reflected from metal objects in the dentist's office, if they are not removed, and cause a fire

Indications

The method of treating caries without using a drill is indicated in the following cases:

• The initial stage of the disease. At the superficial stain stage, there is no need to prepare the tooth. The application of infiltration material seals the pores, eliminating the risk of penetration of cariogenic acids into the tooth body.
• Damage to the interdental space. The dentist is able to treat areas of the dentition to which access is limited - cervical areas, contact surfaces. This will increase the resistance of the enamel of incisors and molars to food acids.
• Completion of orthodontic treatment. When correcting the bite with braces and plates, the quality of enamel cleansing often decreases, which is manifested in the formation of dark spots on it. The goals of applying the drug Icon for the treatment of caries in this situation are to prevent the increase in areas of damaged tooth covering, restore the affected tissues and lighten them.

The gentle effect of the material for caries infiltration allows the use of this therapy technique not only in adult patients, but also in childhood. The procedure is also indicated for pregnant women and people with high sensitivity to anesthetic drugs.

Dental treatment without drilling using folk remedies

Of course, you cannot cure caries at home. The only thing in your power is to follow measures to prevent its occurrence. In addition to simple and understandable actions for every person to maintain the health and integrity of teeth (brushing the tongue and teeth twice a day after meals and visiting the dentist once every six months), there are additional measures. These include, for example, the application of special gels that strengthen tooth enamel and saturate it with missing minerals. This helps prevent caries and its complications, but does not eliminate them. Another interesting way to treat caries at home is milk powder, used as a toothpaste substitute. Brushing with this milk powder reduces bleeding gums and reduces the risk of tartar.

Folk remedies for caries are intended to generally relieve toothache, but not eliminate its cause. To relieve pain, various alcoholic infusions of medicinal herbs are used, lotions are made and applied directly to the diseased tooth; It is also recommended to rinse your mouth with an infusion of strong tea. There is a point on the body, pressing firmly on which temporarily relieves toothache. The point is located in the area between the nose and lips. Don’t overdo it; you will still have to contact a specialist for real help in eliminating the cause of toothache. Make sure that your toothpaste contains microelements such as fluoride and calcium, and that your diet contains fewer carbohydrates and more greens, lean meats and dairy products.

Nowadays, there is a lot of debate about how to cure tooth decay without pain and fear. Technologies that can solve dental problems without the use of a drill are just beginning to appear on the Russian market. In any case, even such modern methods of caries treatment are applicable mainly in the early stages of its occurrence. If you are not eager to experience the effects of drilling with a bur, do not neglect the health of your teeth and seek help from specialists in a timely manner.

Contraindications

Despite its safety, there are a number of situations in which the use of Icon caries treatment is not recommended. Main contraindications to the procedure:

• Dentin is damaged by more than a third. Minimally invasive treatment is ineffective in this case. To prevent tooth decay, it is necessary to remove the affected tissue and fill the resulting cavity.
• Age up to three years. The Icon method uses concentrated acids that can damage sensitive children's enamel.
• Individual intolerance to the formulations used.
• Another situation in which dentists will refuse to perform the procedure is severe damage to the enamel, for example, fluorosis, erosion, hyperplasia. If such pathologies are detected, the clinic specialist will offer to eliminate caries using the classical method.

Is it necessary to treat caries of baby teeth in children?

Caries of milk teeth
A child has caries on his milk teeth – is it necessary to treat this disease? Perhaps you should wait until the diseased tooth simply falls out, and a new one grows in its place - already permanent and healthy?

There is no way to do without treatment - this is the answer of competent pediatric dentists. And that's why:

1. Caries progresses very quickly, infection from one tooth spreads to neighboring ones.
2. If you start the carious process, the disease can be complicated by pulpitis and periostitis. And they are more difficult to treat.
3. The disease is caused by bacteria, which then infect growing permanent teeth. They will already be sick, barely having time to erupt.
4. Pathogenic microflora multiply in carious cavities, which negatively affects the general health of children. Complications are possible in the form of ENT diseases, abscess and sepsis (if a purulent infection occurs in the soft tissues).
5. In particularly advanced cases, children develop cysts, phlegmons (purulent infectious processes of the subcutaneous tissue), osteomyelitis (bone decay due to inflammation of the bone tissue).
6. It is necessary to treat baby teeth for caries and because the child experiences discomfort when eating, reacting to cold, hot, sour and sweet foods.
7. Carious teeth in the middle and deep stages of the disease can cause significant pain. Why force a child to endure it?
8. Teeth affected by disease are unsightly; children may be embarrassed, afraid of ridicule from their peers, and experience difficulties in communication.

Parents need to know that primary teeth usually fall out in children at 6–7 years of age, while chewing teeth remain until 9–10 years of age. Is it possible that the child will have to live with caries all this time?

IMPORTANT: The formation of permanent teeth depends on the health of milk teeth. You need to try to preserve each of them by contacting the dentist in time for caries treatment.

Is caries treated in baby teeth?

Some parents believe that treatment of childhood caries of primary teeth is not at all necessary. If the tooth is completely destroyed and hurts, you can simply remove it. Why is this misconception of adults dangerous for children:

• The child will have difficulty chewing food. If a poorly processed bolus of food enters the stomach, it causes digestive problems;
• There is a high risk of a child’s malocclusion. Children are recommended to wear replacement plates if many baby teeth have been removed;
• Possible delay in the growth of molars and their incorrect eruption - out of place.

Adults who still doubt whether it is necessary to treat caries on baby teeth should get acquainted with modern methods of treating this disease.

Advantages

Treatment of superficial caries using the Icon method has become widespread in dental centers in Moscow and other large cities of the country. This is due to the following advantages of the technique:

• the ability to eliminate pathology at the initial stage and prevent its progression;
• preservation of enamel without the risk of microcracks and chips;
• non-susceptibility of healthy tissue areas to stress during dental treatment without a drill;
• maintaining the appearance and natural shape of teeth;
• painlessness and speed of medical procedures.

Dentists specializing in the treatment of caries using the Icon infiltration method note another important advantage - the absence of the need for re-treatment of teeth. The applied material seals the pores of the enamel, preventing further activity of pathogenic microorganisms and relapse of the disease in the treated area of ​​the dentition.

Examples of results before and after treatment with the Icon method

before

after

before

after

Air abrasive processing

The air-abrasive method involves mechanical treatment of carious lesions using special sandblasting machines, which are also used for professional oral hygiene. The idea of ​​“knocking out” superficial caries with a stream of air containing impurities arose in the 40s in the USA. Then quartz sand was used as an abrasive (an impurity with high hardness), and later - aluminum oxide, a colorless and non-toxic substance. Flow-abrasive systems “shoot” with enough power to remove softened, caries-affected tissues without harming healthy ones. In the case of using air-abrasive treatment, the possibility of developing secondary caries is practically eliminated. The procedure is safe, painless, and does not require anesthesia when treating initial caries.

As with other methods of treating caries without a drill, the air-abrasive method does not heat the dental tissues and does not create noise or vibration. Moreover, it reduces the risk of microcracks forming, which can later cause destruction of the entire tooth. “Knocking out” with an air stream with abrasives occurs pulsed, for 5–10 seconds, which is more effective than dissection with a drill. The air-abrasive treatment method is not ideal, because in some cases it may still be necessary to clean out the caries with a drill and place only a composite filling. Sometimes this method of dental treatment is not applicable at all due to the inaccessibility of the installation tip to the affected area. Another disadvantage is the possible increase in tooth sensitivity in the future.

Advantages of carrying out the procedure with us

Residents of Moscow can eliminate caries without using a drill in one of the clinics of the Center for Aesthetic Dentistry. Our specialists will provide the following list of services within the framework of the Ikon methodology:

• diagnostics of the oral cavity using computer technologies to identify pathologies at the initial stage;
• professional teeth cleaning to remove bacterial plaque and tartar;
• treatment of affected tissues with certified Icon preparations from DMG;
• polishing the tooth surface after treatment with a synthetic polymer composition;
• recommendations for oral hygiene.

Our specialists take into account possible contraindications to the Icon technology for caries treatment and use an individual approach to each patient, taking into account the clinical picture.

Information sources

• ICON Treatment of Post-Orthodontic White Spot Lesions: https://www.oralhealthgroup.com/features/icon-treatment-of-post-orthodontic-white-spot-lesions/
• Effectiveness of 4 years of ICON treatment on post-orthodontic white spots: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6058148/
• A conservative, effective approach to white spot lesions: https://www.speareducation.com/spear-review/2017/07/a-conservative-effective-approach-to-white-spot-lesions
• ICON. DMG - high quality dental materials for dentists https://www.dmg-america.com/en/products/product/icon/

Technology and materials

Dental treatment using the icon system has a number of features. These include the following:

• The procedure will be effective only when treating caries at the spot stage, that is, when there is no superficial damage to the enamel.
• Anesthesia is not required, since a drill or other mechanical methods of treating the tooth are not used.
• Without a drill.
• Strengthening the structure of teeth and protecting it from negative environmental factors.
• Infiltration – does not lead to the appearance of microcracks. This ensures minimal risks for re-injury.
• Preservation of the natural shade and naturalness of the dental unit in comparison with the rest of the dentition.

Using the icon method allows you to treat caries without preliminary preparation. A number of drugs and materials are used to carry out the procedure:

• A special gel containing hydrochloric acid.
• Ethanol.
• Composite materials that harden under light rays.

Several options for infiltration kits are available. The first is for treating areas in close proximity to the mucous membrane. The second, for use in areas located in close proximity to adjacent healthy teeth.

Treatment of caries without preparation using the icon system allows you to get beautiful, smooth, transparent and healthy enamel. The action of the compositions begins immediately after application. Without affecting the tooth tissue, the solution penetrates directly into the damaged cavity. A qualified specialist is the key to the success and effectiveness of the procedure. The cost of icon caries treatment will depend on the patient’s clinical picture. However, the cost will be in the range of 4000-6000 rubles.