For many patients, dental drills are a source of anxiety and discomfort. It may be the reason you’ve put off your dental appointment for so long. Thankfully, our San Francisco dentist utilizes Icon, a revolutionary technology that allows dentists to treat cavities without drilling away any healthy tooth enamel. 

Cavities can be painful, and if they are left untreated, they may require more invasive treatment. If it’s been more than six months since your last dental appointment, or if you suspect that you have a cavity, contact our office today to schedule an appointment. Early detection is the key to minimally-invasive, more comfortable treatments. Your comfort is our top priority!

MORE BENEFITS OF THE ICON PROCEDURE

In addition to a drill-free experience, the Icon procedure provides other advantages, including: 

  • Eliminating cavities before they progress and cause infection or tooth loss
  • Cosmetically removing white spots in one short visit
  • Less pain and time
  • The prolonged life expectancy of the tooth
  • Micro-invasive dentistry
  • The immediate treatment of lesions so full restorations aren’t necessary
  • Preserves healthy tooth structures
  • Stops the progression of dental caries

HOW DOES THE ICON NON-DRILLING TECHNIQUE WORK? 

The Icon Non-Drilling Technique is quick, pain-free, and simple. First, Dr. Levi will use a special cleanser to prepare the tooth. Next, a liquid infiltrant is applied to the tooth. This contains a microparticle composite material that penetrates the enamel and strengthens the damaged part of the tooth. 

It’s important to mention that Icon can only treat tooth decay in the early stages. Unfortunately, a drill may be necessary when patients have late-stage cavities. This is why six-month dental checkups are so important! During these appointments, Dr. Levi can catch cavities before they cause significant damage and require more extensive treatments. 

IS ICON TREATMENT PAINFUL? 

In clinical trials, patients did not report any pain associated with Icon. However, you may experience gentle pressure if you have a cavity between two teeth. In these cases, a dental wedge is used to slightly separate the teeth. For Icon treatment, no anesthetic injection is required. 

HOW IS ICON DIFFERENT FROM TRADITIONAL FILLINGS? 

Traditional fillings require drilling and the removal of healthy tooth structures. Icon requires neither. Instead, the resin is applied to the tooth and infiltrates the area with the cavity. It’s as simple as that!

Additionally, Icon actually increases the lifespan of the infected tooth, is painless, and can be done in a single visit. 

CONSERVATIVE DENTISTRY IN SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Are you looking for a dentist who prioritizes comfort, preventive care, and conservative treatments? Dr. Mina Levi checks all of those boxes. At California Dental Innovations, our patients are our top priority. Because of that, we offer mercury-free dentistry, early detection, conservative treatments (like Icon), and sedation dentistry for patients who suffer from dental fear or anxiety. Dr. Levi’s clinical approach is to be minimally invasive and to preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. 

To learn more about our practice call (415) 513-5066 or contact us online today to schedule your initial consultation.