We would like to introduce you to an exciting new technology that is now available and we will be among the first in the nation to provide this for our patients. It is called Curodont™ Repair Fluoride Plus from a company called Vardis out of Switzerland. It allows us to remineralize early cavities at the stage before they form a hole in the tooth. In the past, we have tried to use cleanings and fluoride treatments to prevent cavities, but simply waited and watched the cavity until it formed a hole in the tooth requiring expensive and invasive drilling out the lesion and replacing it with a filling.
But now, imagine not having to go to the dentist for a shot or to have your tooth drilled on. We simply clean off the tooth, etch it, then paint on a liquid for 4 minutes and it’s done, quick and painless. What’s more, there is no staining or discoloration of the teeth, it is tasteless and odorless, and can be done on all ages 4 and up with virtually no side effects or contraindications.
Many of these early lesions appear like white chalk on the teeth and the liquid contains a peptide or protein that penetrates the lesion and sets up a ladder-like scaffold inside which allows the body to leverage amino acids, calcium and phosphate ions to help new hydroxyapatite crystals grow in the enamel. It can then be tracked over the next 6 months and beyond to make sure it is healing and getting better.
They have been using this product in Switzerland over the past 10 years and the studies show it has a 95% success rate and 13 times higher probability of success versus fluoride varnish alone. Of course, if the person never brushes their teeth or exhibits poor home care or prevention by not coming in for regular check-ups, it may start to form a hole in the tooth and require a filling, but this intermediary treatment is a game changer.
Using ClinPro 5000 or Prevident or any of the prescription strength home fluoride kinds of toothpaste will aid in the remineralization process as will a fluoride varnish treatment in the dental office after the cleaning or maintenance appointment and or after the Curodont Repair Fluoride Plus repair treatment process.
There will be a new ADA code beginning in January 2024 for this procedure titled hydroxyapatite remineralization of the tooth/per tooth. We hope insurance companies will start to help with the costs of this which typically is not covered by insurance. But, at only one-third of the cost of a filling currently, it will be well worth it not to have your tooth drilled on or have to endure filling replacements, crowns, root canals, implants or loss of the tooth over the life of the person.
We are excited to now offer this amazing new technology and look forward to seeing the benefits it provides our dental family. If you have any questions about this new treatment or would like to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to call us at 360-256-1202 or email us at office@tworiversdentistry.com. We look forward to assisting you with all of your dental needs in Vancouver, WA, and the surrounding areas!