APPLICATION OF ICON THERAPY IN THE MANAGEMENT OF INITIAL DENTAL CARIES: CLINICAL EFFECTIVENESS AND PATIENT SATISFACTION

Initial dental caries represents an early and potentially reversible stage of enamel demineralization that plays a critical role in the progression of oral diseases among adult populations. Traditional restorative approaches often involve irreversible removal of dental tissues, even at early stages of caries development. In recent years, minimally invasive dentistry has emphasized the preservation of tooth structure and biological integrity through non- and micro-invasive treatment strategies. Resin infiltration using ICON therapy has emerged as a promising approach for managing non-cavitated carious lesions by arresting lesion progression and improving esthetic outcomes without mechanical intervention. The aim of this study was to comprehensively evaluate the clinical effectiveness of ICON resin infiltration therapy in the treatment of initial dental caries and to assess patient satisfaction with this minimally invasive procedure. A prospective clinical observational study was conducted involving adult patients with non-cavitated enamel carious lesions. Clinical effectiveness was assessed based on lesion stabilization, absence of progression, surface integrity, and esthetic improvement. Patient satisfaction was evaluated using structured questionnaires focusing on comfort, perception of treatment, and overall acceptance. The findings demonstrated that ICON therapy effectively arrested the progression of initial carious lesions and significantly improved the optical appearance of affected enamel. High levels of patient satisfaction were reported due to the painless nature of the procedure, lack of anesthesia, and immediate esthetic improvement. ICON therapy represents an effective and patient-centered approach consistent with contemporary principles of preventive and minimally invasive dentistry.