No-drill cavity treatment

We offer no-drill cavity treatments designed to stop early tooth decay while preserving as much natural tooth structure as possible. These minimally invasive options allow us to treat small cavities without traditional drilling or fillings.

We offer silver diamine fluoride to stop active decay, a new non-staining option called Curodont Repair Fluoride Plus from vVARDIS to help repair early enamel damage, and Papacárie Duo, a minimally invasive treatment that selectively removes decay without traditional drilling.

We offer no-drill cavity treatment at our dental office in Boulder, CO.

Silver Diamine Fluoride

Silver diamine fluoride is a colorless liquid that combines the antimicrobial properties of silver with the enamel-strengthening abilities of fluoride. It is applied directly to areas of decay to halt the progression of cavities without the need for drilling or anesthesia. While highly effective, traditional SDF causes dark staining on the treated areas.

This minimally invasive treatment is especially useful for:

• Treating small cavities in non-visible areas
• Elderly patients who may not tolerate traditional dental procedures
• Pre-cooperative children with early-stage decay
• Patients seeking to delay or avoid restorative dental treatments

By arresting decay and reducing bacterial growth, SDF supports long-term dental health and allows us to avoid more invasive procedures when appropriate.

A Non-Staining Alternative: Curodont Repair Fluoride Plus

Curodont Repair Fluoride Plus is a clear, fluoride-based treatment designed for early-stage tooth decay, specifically non-cavitated enamel lesions—areas where the enamel has begun to weaken but no cavity has formed. 

Its proprietary formula diffuses into the lesion and, with the help of calcium and phosphate from saliva, promotes targeted remineralization.

This process helps preserve natural tooth structure by supporting the body’s ability to repair early damage before a filling is needed. Curodont does not contain silver and does not stain the tooth, making it a more aesthetic option than traditional silver diamine fluoride

Curodont may be recommended for patients who are:

• Concerned about visible staining from traditional SDF
• Diagnosed with early enamel lesions that have not yet progressed to cavities
• Hoping to avoid drilling and preserve natural tooth structure
• Interested in conservative, science-supported dental care

This treatment is a great fit for children and adults alike who want to stop early decay while keeping their smile intact and treatment minimally invasive.

Papacárie Duo: No-Drill Cavity Removal

Papacárie Duo is a minimally invasive cavity treatment that helps remove tooth decay without traditional drilling. This gel-based treatment works by softening infected tooth structure so decay can be removed selectively while preserving as much healthy enamel and dentin as possible.

Originally developed more than 20 years ago and widely used internationally, Papacárie Duo is now becoming available in the United States as part of a more conservative approach to cavity treatment. It can be especially helpful for:

• Children
• Patients with dental anxiety
• Deep cavities where preserving healthy tooth structure is important
• Patients hoping to avoid traditional drilling when possible

Because the treatment is gentle and selective, many patients find it more comfortable than traditional cavity preparation. In some situations, little or no anesthesia may be needed depending on the location and extent of the decay.

What To Expect During SDF Treatment

Silver diamine fluoride treatment is fast, safe, and pain-free. Here is what you can expect:

1. Evaluation: We will assess the extent of decay and determine if SDF or Curodont is the right solution for your case.
2. Application: The area is cleaned and dried, and the solution is applied using a small brush.
3. Sealing (optional): In some cases, we may place a fluoride varnish over the treated area to protect it and enhance effectiveness.
4. Follow-up: We may schedule future dental visits to monitor the area and ensure the decay remains arrested.

The entire process typically takes only a few minutes per tooth and does not require numbing or drilling.

What To Expect During Curodont Treatment

Curodont Repair Fluoride Plus is a targeted, non-invasive treatment for early-stage enamel lesions. It works by helping your tooth repair itself, before a cavity forms. 

Here’s how the process typically works:

• Evaluation: We first assess the area of concern to ensure it’s an early enamel lesion that has not yet progressed into a full cavity.
• Cleaning and drying: The tooth is gently cleaned and dried to prepare the surface for treatment.
• Application: The Curodont solution is applied directly to the weakened area of enamel. Its proprietary formula diffuses throughout the lesion and, together with calcium and phosphate from your saliva, promotes targeted remineralization.
• Sealing (optional): A fluoride varnish may be applied afterward to help protect the area and support continued enamel repair.
• Monitoring: We will schedule follow-up visits to evaluate the area and determine if further treatment is needed.

This painless, drill-free procedure helps preserve your natural tooth structure while stopping early decay in its tracks.

What To Expect During Papacárie Duo Treatment

Treatment is gentle, conservative, and designed to remove decay while preserving healthy tooth structure. Here is what you can expect:

• Evaluation: We examine the tooth and determine whether Papacárie Duo is appropriate for the area of decay.
• Application: The gel is placed directly onto the decayed portion of the tooth to soften infected tooth structure.
• Selective decay removal: Once softened, the decay is gently removed without traditional drilling whenever possible.
• Restoration: Depending on the size and depth of the cavity, the tooth may then be restored with a filling or monitored as part of a conservative treatment plan.

Because the process is minimally invasive, many patients find treatment more comfortable than traditional cavity preparation.

Benefits of Silver Diamine Fluoride

Choosing SDF or Curodont as part of your preventative measures offers multiple benefits:

• Stops decay without removing tooth structure
• Supports oral hygiene and reduces bacterial load
• Minimizes the need for fillings or other restorative work
• Reduces dental anxiety for patients who fear drills or needles
• Excellent for high-risk patients, including young children and seniors
• Cost-effective and efficient treatment option

When Is SDF Recommended?

At Broda Family Dental, we tailor all dental treatments to the unique needs of each patient. SDF may be recommended when:

• Cavities are small and in hard-to-reach or non-visible areas
• A patient has difficulty tolerating traditional dental care
• There is a desire to delay or avoid invasive dental procedures
• The tooth is not yet sensitive or painful

While SDF is not a replacement for fillings in all situations, it is a valuable part of a modern, minimally invasive dental care plan.

SDF vs. Traditional Fillings

While both treatments aim to manage tooth decay, silver diamine fluoride and traditional fillings differ significantly in their approach, time, cost, and cosmetic outcomes.

Feature	Silver Diamine Fluoride	Traditional Fillings
Invasiveness	Non-invasive, no drilling or removal of tooth structure	Invasive, requires drilling to remove decayed enamel and dentin
Anesthesia Needed	No	Yes
Treatment Time	Usually 1–2 minutes per tooth	Typically 20–45 minutes depending on the size and location of the cavity
Cost	Lower; fewer materials and less chair time	Higher; more materials, time, and technique involved
Stains Tooth	Yes (except Curodont)	No
Tooth Preservation	Maximum; preserves all existing tooth structure	Partial; some healthy tooth structure is usually removed

Gentle Dentistry, Thoughtfully Delivered

Our approach at Broda Family Dental is rooted in integrity, science, and compassion. By offering fluoride varnish applications, SDF, Papacárie Duo and regenerative options like Curodont, we give our patients access to the best that modern preventive dentistry has to offer. Our goal is always to help you maintain excellent oral health while minimizing discomfort, cost, and long-term risk.

Key Takeaway: Silver diamine fluoride, Curodont Repair Fluoride Plus, and Papacárie Duo offer conservative ways to treat early tooth decay with little or no traditional drilling. These minimally invasive treatments help stop cavities, preserve healthy tooth structure, and make dental care more comfortable for children, anxious patients, and adults seeking a gentler approach to cavity treatment.

Insurance and Membership Plan

We are in-network with Delta Dental Premier, Cigna DPPO Plus, Anthem, and Blue Cross Blue Shield, and we also accept patients with out-of-network benefits. For those without dental insurance, our in-house membership plan offers an affordable option for routine care.

Dentist in Boulder,co

Our office proudly serves Boulder and the surrounding communities of Superior, Louisville, Lafayette, Longmont, and Erie.

To book an appointment at our dental office in Boulder, CO, call (303) 442-6141 or visit us at 777 29th St UNIT 300, Boulder, CO 80303.

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