The Future Is Now by Dr. Jeanette MacLean

A close look at a new product that regenerates enamel

by Dr. Jeanette MacLean

1. Clean the treatment site with plain pumice. 5% sodium hypochlorite may also be applied for 20 seconds to remove tooth pellicle. Isolate the treatment site with cotton rolls, Dri-Aids and/or an isolation suction system.
2. Apply 37% phosphoric acid etch for 20 seconds. Rinse off the etch with water, then dry the teeth.
3. Prepare the Curodont applicator by removing the safety clip and pushing the two cylinders together. Remove the applicator from the protective cover, then apply by squeezing the sponge onto the lesion(s)/proximal spaces. You can use a Hollenback or plastic instrument to help press the sponge against the teeth as well as twist and fold the applicator, like wringing out a mop, to help express the liquid out of the sponge.
4. Allow the solution to absorb for five minutes. The liquid must come from the sponge to deliver the peptide technology to the enamel.
5. After five minutes, it is optional to apply fluoride varnish. Instruct the patient not to rinse, eat or drink for 30 minutes.

Fig. 1: A 9-year-old boy with buccal gumline decalcification on his first permanent molar.

Fig. 2: After cleaning the tooth, 37% phosphoric etch was applied for 20 seconds, then rinsed with water and dried.

Fig. 3: Curodont was applied and allowed to absorb for five minutes.

Fig. 4: A 16-month follow-up photo shows the buccal aspect of the tooth has not cavitated and the enamel translucency has improved.

Fig. 5: A 19-year-old male with incipient proximal caries lesion on the distal of the mandibular left first permanent molar.

Fig. 6: Curodont was applied to the proximal contact using a plastic instrument to help push the liquid out of the sponge into the embrasure space.

Fig. 7: A six-month follow-up bitewing shows the distal lesion on the mandibular left first permanent molar has not cavitated.

Fig. 8: A 12-year-old girl in braces with white spot lesions above the brackets on her maxillary incisors. Curodont was applied to help prevent the lesions from getting worse because she would still be in braces for more than a year.

Fig. 9: A 12-month follow-up shows the teeth have not cavitated and some of the enamel translucency has returned.

References
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11. Sedlakova Kondelova, P, Mannaa, A, Bommer, C, Abdelaziz, M, Daeniker, L, di Bella, E, Krejci, I. (2020). “Efficacy of P11-4 for the Treatment of Initial Buccal Caries: A Randomized Clinical Trial.” Scientific Reports, 10(1), 2021.
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Dr. Jeanette MacLean is a diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American College of Dentists and the Pierre Fauchard Academy. MacLean is a member of Dentaltown’s editorial advisory board, an international speaker and an owner of Affiliated Children’s Dental Specialists in Glendale, Arizona.