Dental coding update: "Resin infiltration of incipient smooth surface lesions" is now covered by a 2013 CDT Code classification

The American Dental Association (ADA) has announced that resin infiltration of incipient smooth surface lesions is now covered by a 2013 CDT Code classification. The newly defined classification allows practices to accurately code and bill for Icon by DMG America, a resin infiltration technology that fills, reinforces, and stabilizes demineralized enamel for the purpose of arresting the progression of incipient carious lesions and removing cariogenic white spots. Resin infiltration is a new treatment that has been gaining popularity as an alternative treatment that ends the “wait and see” approach to caries management, without having to “drill and fill.”

According to DMG America, Icon is the first product to bridge the gap between prevention (fluoride therapy) and traditional caries restoration. Icon’s micro-invasive infiltration technology can be used to treat facial and proximal carious lesions up to the first third of dentin (D-1). Classification from the ADA gives more practices the ability to offer their patients a less invasive, pain-free alternative to aggressive treatment techniques. This treatment is performed in a single visit without drilling, anesthesia or the sacrifice of healthy tooth structure. Clinicians can immediately treat upon discovery versus waiting to see whether the caries will progress.

RELATED INFORMATION:Icon appears in Popular Science magazine and on The Doctors TV show

The official classification defines resin infiltration as: Application of a resin material engineered to penetrate and fill the sub-surface pore system of an incipient caries lesion to strengthen, stabilize, and limit the lesion's progression, as well as mask visible white spots.

“We see Icon gaining popularity among practices and patients as it provides a drill-free approach to incipient lesions and offers a highly esthetic alternative to microabrasion and other restorative treatments for cariogenic white spot lesions.” said Tim Haberstumpf, director of marketing for DMG America. “White spot lesions infiltrated by Icon take on the appearance of the surrounding healthy enamel.”

For more information about Icon and how to incorporate it into your practice, please visit drilling-no-thanks.com or contact your authorized DMG America dealer.