Curodont™ for Early Cavities: Can You Avoid a Filling?

If you have seen a dentist in the past, you may have heard the following phrase:

“There is a cavity starting on this tooth. We will put a watch on it.”

For years, when we found a very small cavity that wasn’t ready for a filling, our only option was to monitor it. If it continued to grow, we would eventually need to numb the tooth, remove the decay, and place a filling.

Not anymore.

Curodont™ from vVardis is a first-of-its-kind product that allows us to treat many early-stage cavities without drilling or numbing in as little as three minutes. We finally have another treatment option for many of the early cavities we previously could only monitor.

How Does It Work?

With the application of Curodont™, the peptide in the formulation absorbs into the initial cavity lesion. There, it creates a scaffolding effect that then pulls calcium, phosphate, and hydroxide from the saliva into the hydroxyapatite structure of the enamel, promoting remineralization of the early-stage lesion.

Clinical studies have demonstrated significant remineralization and reduced lesion progression following treatment with self-assembling peptide P11-4 in as little as two weeks after application (Keeper et al., J. Am. Dent. Assoc., 2023). All of the initial studies are showing these self-assembling peptides (P11-4) to be a very promising non-invasive intervention in dentistry. Many clinicians who practice minimally invasive dentistry have begun incorporating Curodont™ into patient care as the evidence continues to grow.

Dr. Tiffany Kimmel and the team at Blue Bridge Dental are excited to offer Curodont™ as part of our commitment to minimally invasive, evidence-based dentistry. Being able to preserve healthy tooth structure whenever possible is one of the best advances we have seen in modern dental care.

How Is It Applied?

We start by using a cleaner on the area to prepare the spot for treatment and allow absorption of the peptide. In a dry environment, we then mix the product and begin applying it to all sides of the early cavity, allowing it to soak into the enamel. We let the area stay dry for another minute, then ask the patient to avoid eating or drinking for 30 minutes after application.

What Cavities Does It Work for, and How Effective Is It?

Curodont™ works for early enamel decay, white spot lesions (such as those that may develop after braces), and non-cavitated lesions. It does not work for large cavities that extend into the dentin or when the enamel surface has already been broken.

Studies have shown a success rate of over 90% after application to appropriately selected cavities (Shaalan O. et al., Clin Oral Investig., 2024;28:438). Research trials have also demonstrated a reduction in the size of lesions on radiographs.

Does Curodont™ Replace Fillings?

No. Curodont™ is designed only for early enamel lesions before a cavity has broken through the surface of the tooth. Once decay has progressed into dentin or the enamel has cavitated, a traditional filling remains the appropriate treatment.

Learn More

If you are interested in learning more about Curodont™ and whether you are a candidate, we would be happy to discuss it with you at your next dental appointment at Blue Bridge Dental in Allendale, Michigan.