A new treatment for cavities that does not require the use of a drill has been developed.

A new emergency dentistry treatment to fix cavities has been developed that does not require the use of the dentist’s drill.

The DMG Icon uses hydrochloric acid to eat a small hole in the tooth enamel and is then used to do a chemical excavation of the tooth, removing any decay.

Once this stage is complete, the dentist fills the gap created with a fast-hardening resin.

The manufacturer noted, however, that the device only works on early-stage cavities at present, although a next-generation tool is currently in the pipeline and the firm hopes to have this ready for production by next year.

Elsewhere, a study carried out by Dr Stefan Rupf from Saarland University in Homburg, Germany, recently showed a new plasma jet device could replace the dentist’s drill in as little as three years.

He noted that there are a number of benefits to using such a device for treatments, as it would be non-invasive and practically pain-free.