Conservative Dentistry

Conservative dentistry is the dental specialty that treats and restores teeth damaged by decay, fractures, or wear while preserving as much healthy dental tissue as possible. Through minimally invasive techniques, it avoids or delays the need for extractions, root canals, or prosthetics.

The fundamental principle of conservative dentistry is that no prosthesis, regardless of quality, can replicate the functionality of a natural tooth. Therefore, every gram of healthy dental tissue preserved is a clinical victory. Current techniques allow for nearly invisible restorations using state-of-the-art composites and ceramics that perfectly mimic the translucency and color of natural enamel.

At Asensio Dental Clinic, Dr. Lucía Asensio Romero (Registration No. 46002287) applies minimally invasive protocols with early diagnosis technology that detects cavities in their earliest stages, when treatment is simplest and most conservative. The first visit is completely free of charge.

Conservative Dentistry Treatments

The composite filling or restoration is the most common treatment in conservative dentistry. It involves removing decayed tissue and filling the resulting cavity with a tooth-colored composite resin. Today’s composites offer excellent aesthetics and a durability of 8-12 years under normal conditions. We work with optical magnification and absolute isolation systems using a **rubber dam** to guarantee adhesion and prevent contamination.

Ceramic inlays —inlays, onlays, and overlays— are lab-fabricated restorations made of high-strength ceramic that are bonded to the tooth when the damage is too extensive for a direct filling but not enough to require a full crown. They offer superior durability compared to composite —20 years or more— and aesthetics indistinguishable from a natural tooth. They are especially indicated for large cavities in molars and premolars.

Fissure sealing is a preventive measure that applies a flowable resin to the grooves of the back teeth to prevent bacteria from accumulating in areas difficult to reach with a toothbrush. It is particularly effective in children and adolescents. Remineralizing treatment with fluoride, amorphous calcium phosphate, or nanoparticulated hydroxyapatite can stop incipient cavities that have not yet progressed through the enamel, completely avoiding the need for a filling.

When decay has already reached the dental pulp, the treatment of choice is rotary endodontics — which is also part of our conservative dentistry area in the broad sense of the term. The goal remains the same: to save the tooth.

This specialty is part of our other dental treatments in Valencia area.

Frequently Asked Questions about Conservative Dentistry

How often should a filling be replaced?

A composite filling in good condition does not need to be replaced routinely. It is checked during each follow-up visit and replaced if it shows wear, leakage, or fracture. The average lifespan of a composite filling is 8-12 years, although with proper hygiene, it can last significantly longer.

What is the difference between a filling and a ceramic inlay?

A filling is fabricated directly in the mouth in a single visit using composite resin. An inlay is fabricated in a laboratory using ceramic and bonded during a second visit. Inlays are more durable, stronger, and aesthetically superior, but more costly. They are indicated when the cavity is large or when the patient suffers from bruxism.

Can a cavity be treated without a drill?

In very early stages —enamel cavities without cavitation— it is possible to reverse them with remineralizing treatments without the need for a drill. Once the decay has cavitated the enamel or reached the dentin, treatment requires removing the decayed tissue with rotary instruments. Current techniques allow this to be done more conservatively than ever thanks to optical magnification and early diagnosis systems.