Approximately 36% of the population suffers from dental anxiety. If you have ever had a cavity drilled and filled, then you know the fear and discomfort that can come with the treatment. Maybe this fear even leads you to avoid the dentist altogether.
At California Dental Innovations, we are proud to offer our patients a revolutionary technology that involves absolutely no drilling or anesthesia. The Icon® non-drilling technique is a micro-invasive procedure that treats cavities while preserving the tooth’s structure.
Curious about the Icon technique and its many benefits? Read on to learn more about this unique treatment method.
What is the Icon Technique?
Traditional cavity treatment requires injectable anesthesia to numb the area. Then, a drill grinds away the tooth enamel in preparation for the filling. With the Icon technique, however, a dentist is able to treat the cavity painlessly without drilling away at healthy tooth enamel.
What Are the Benefits of the Icon Technique?
In the past, dentists used 2 methods to approach cavity treatment: the “wait and see” method and the “drill and fill” method. In the “wait and see” approach, the dentist notices worn tooth enamel that could potentially lead to a cavity. Typically, the dentist will use fluoride as a means to restore the tooth enamel, and wait to see if the cavity worsens over time. If the cavity does progress, then the dentist will drill and fill the cavity to prevent further decay.
The Icon technique finds the middle ground between “wait and see” and “drill and fill”–the “infiltration” stage. As soon as a dentist notices the early signs of a cavity, they can use the Icon technique to fill and reinforce the enamel. The Icon approach stops cavities in their tracks, all without using anesthesia or drills.
Not only can the Icon technique eliminate cavities before they lead to infection or tooth loss, but it can also:
- Save time. Icon treatment is usually done in one, quick visit.
- Squash dental anxiety. Because this procedure is quick, less painful, and doesn’t require a noisy drill, patients who suffer from dental anxiety can get their cavities treated without fraying their nerves.
- Preserve teeth. By stopping the early stages of a cavity, the Icon method helps prolong the life expectancy of a tooth.
What Else Can Icon Technology Do?
Do you have white spots on your teeth? Those white spots can be caused by many things, such as dental fluorosis, demineralization, or vitamin deficiencies. Usually, these white spots are not cause for concern, but many patients find them aesthetically unpleasing. Icon technology can remove those white spots in one easy visit, so you can start smiling with confidence.
Icon Treatment in San Francisco, CA
Don’t let dental anxiety stop you from getting great oral healthcare. Dr. Mina Levi is a gentle dentist who prioritizes non-invasive treatments. If you would like to discuss what Icon technology can do for you, then call us today at (415) 513-5066 or book an appointment online.