Conservative Dentistry is a branch of dentistry which is conserned with conservation or restoration of teeth in the mouth through conservative treatments.  Usually the restoration is needed in case of a tooth decay (caries).

Operative Dentistry and Cariology (branches of Conservative Dentistry) are conserned with the cause, prevention and treatment of tooth decay (caries), malformed, fractured teeth and replacement or repair of existing restorations.  The treatment restores functions and esthetics of the proper tooth and its relationships with surrounding tissues.

Dental caries, also known as tooth decay or a cavity, is a disease where bacterial processes damage hard tooth structure (enamel, dentin, and cementum).  These tissues progressively break down, producing dental caries (cavities, holes in the teeth).  In the course of the Caries treatment the affected tissue is removed (the enamel and dentin) and the cavity is eliminated with appropriate filling materials.

Caries can be superficial (external) or deep (involving deeper tissues and root).  If a deep caries reaches the tooth pulp (which contains blood vessels and nerves) tooth Endodontic treatment (Root Canal Therapy) may be needed.

Endodontics is the branch of dentistry that deals with diseases of the tooth’s pulp. In the Endodontic treatment the pulp from the root canal is removed and the canal is subsequently filled with appropriate materials.  Please see the page “Endodontics” for more information on Root Canal Treatment.

Modern Conservative Dentistry is based on a minimally invasive approach.  It focuses on prevention, remineralization, and minimal dentist intervention.  Minimally invasive dentistry uses advanced materials and technologies which allow dentists to never remove more of the tooth structure than is required to restore teeth to their normal condition.  In minimally invasive dentistry, dentists use long-lasting dental materials that conserve the maximum tooth structure so the need for future repairs is reduced.