Drill-Free Early Decay Treatment

Finding tooth decay early is one of the best things we can do for your teeth. The earlier we spot it, the more options you have, and some early decay can now be treated without a drill. Some early decay is hard to see by eye, even with the magnification our dentists use, so we also use AI software on your X-rays to help us spot these early changes and act sooner. This guide explains how we look for early decay at Pennington Dental in Kenilworth and Stratford-upon-Avon, and how Curodont treatment may help.

Why early decay matters

Tooth decay starts in the hard outer layer of the tooth, the enamel. At first, minerals are lost from the enamel without a hole (cavity) forming. You usually cannot feel it, and it can be hard to see, especially between teeth.

If it is left, decay can work its way through the enamel into the softer dentine underneath. At that stage a filling or other treatment is usually needed. Catching it while it is still in the enamel gives us the chance to treat it more gently.

A second pair of eyes on your X-rays

At your check-up, your dentist examines your teeth and looks at your X-rays. Some early decay is hard to see by eye, even with the magnification (loupes) our dentists wear. To help with this, we use Pearl's Second Opinion software, which helps us spot these early changes on X-rays so we can act sooner. It is artificial intelligence (AI) software that reviews dental X-rays as they are taken and highlights areas that may need a closer look, including early decay, decay between teeth, tartar and bone loss.

The software uses colour to mark these areas, and can show the different layers of each tooth (enamel, dentine and pulp). This makes it much easier for us to show you what we can see, and for you to understand how far any decay has gone.

The AI is a support tool, not a replacement for your dentist. It acts as a second pair of eyes, and your dentist checks its findings, examines your mouth and makes the diagnosis.

What is Curodont?

Curodont Repair is a treatment for early decay that has not yet formed a cavity. It is a liquid that your dentist applies to the surface of the tooth, so the treatment itself needs no drilling or injections.

It contains a peptide that moves into the early lesion and forms a framework that attracts calcium and phosphate from your saliva. This helps the tooth rebuild early enamel decay using minerals from saliva. And because there's no drill, no injection and no filling to look after or replace later, treating decay early can mean real savings over a lifetime.

What happens at your appointment

1. Your check-up. Your dentist examines your teeth and reads your X-rays with the support of AI software, then explains whether Curodont is suitable for you.
2. Your treatment. Your dentist cleans and prepares the tooth surface, then applies Curodont Repair to the early lesion. Applying it takes a few minutes. It is tasteless and does not stain your teeth.
3. Afterwards. You will be asked not to eat, drink or rinse for 30 minutes.
4. Regular check-ups. We monitor the treated area at future check-ups, along with the rest of your teeth.

Curodont is provided by our dentists at both our Kenilworth and Stratford-upon-Avon practices.

Is it right for everyone?

Curodont is designed for early, non-cavitated decay in the enamel. If decay has already formed a cavity or reached the dentine, a filling or other treatment may be needed instead. Your dentist will decide at your examination whether it is suitable for you.

No treatment can be guaranteed. Curodont is used to help stop early decay from progressing, but results vary and it may not avoid the need for a filling in every case. Good brushing, a healthy diet and regular check-ups are still important.

How much does it cost?

• Curodont: £175 per surface
• Pennington Plan members: £148.75 per surface
• Exam Only Smile Check Plan members: 5% off, making it £166.25 per surface

The number of surfaces to be treated is confirmed at your examination, so you will know the cost before we start. Find out about the Pennington Plan.

Frequently asked questions

Does Curodont hurt?

The treatment is a liquid applied to the tooth surface, so there is no drilling and no injection is needed.

Will I still need fillings?

Possibly. Curodont is for early decay only, and it may not avoid a filling in every case. Decay that has already formed a cavity needs different treatment.

How will I know if I have early decay?

Early decay usually has no symptoms, which is why regular dental check-ups and X-rays when needed are so important.

Does the AI software diagnose me?

No. The software highlights areas for your dentist to review. Your dentist makes the diagnosis and talks you through your options.

Book your check-up

To find out whether you have early decay, and whether Curodont is suitable for you, book an appointment online or call Kenilworth on 01926 863236 or Stratford-upon-Avon on 01789 205254.

How do I book in Kenilworth or Stratford-upon-Avon?

Find out more about Curodont treatment.

Call Kenilworth on 01926 863 236 or Stratford-upon-Avon on 01789 205 254, or book an appointment online. Find directions for our Kenilworth practice and our Stratford-upon-Avon practice.

New to us? See our new patient information and the full list of fees on our treatment costs page. To spread the cost of check-ups and hygiene visits, see the Pennington plan.

Further reading: NHS: tooth decay.

Prices correct at time of publishing (9 November 2026).

Reviewed by Dr Fuz, BDS, BSc, MSc (Restorative Dentistry), GDC 76311. Last reviewed 9 November 2026.

This article is general information and is not a substitute for advice from your own dentist or doctor.