Conservative dentistry
Check-ups, fillings and prevention in Palafrugell, using minimally invasive adhesive techniques to keep as much natural tooth as possible.
Conservative dentistry
Looking after your mouth starts long before any filling: with good brushing, a diet that is kind to the enamel and a regular check-up. In the surgery we give you the tools to look after yourself at home and we examine your mouth unhurriedly, because a small cavity caught early is dealt with in one short appointment.
Once a tooth is affected, the aim is always the same: to keep as much of it as possible. We work with minimally invasive adhesive techniques that remove only the diseased tissue and rebuild the tooth with tooth-coloured composite. The less tooth we take away, the stronger the tooth stays and the easier it is to treat again later if needed.
You will find us at Carrer de Sant Sebastià 87 in Palafrugell, and we see patients by appointment. If it has been a while since your last visit to a dentist, the first appointment is for seeing how things stand and deciding where to start. You do not have to sort everything out at once: we deal first with what hurts or what may get worse, and plan the rest.
What it includes: Conservative dentistry
- Check-up and cavity diagnosis. We examine every tooth and, when needed, take X-rays to find the decay you cannot see: between the teeth or underneath an old filling.
- Composite fillings. We remove the decay and rebuild the tooth with composite matched to your enamel, in a single appointment and with local anaesthetic when appropriate.
- Rebuilding badly broken-down teeth. When little tooth is left we rebuild it with adhesive materials, and if it would not stand up to chewing we consider an inlay or a crown.
- Fissure sealants. We seal the deep grooves of the back teeth, especially in children and teenagers, so food debris and bacteria cannot build up there.
- Fluoride treatment and sensitivity control. We apply fluoride to strengthen the enamel and treat cold sensitivity caused by wear or by exposed tooth necks.
- Hygiene and diet advice. We go over your brushing technique, flossing and interdental brushes, and look at which eating habits are damaging your enamel.
How we do it
Every treatment begins with an examination and a detailed quote. This is how it usually works:
- 01
First appointment and examination
We listen to what is worrying you, examine every tooth and your gums, and take whatever X-rays are needed to see what is happening under the enamel.
- 02
Treatment plan and estimate
We explain what needs doing, in what order and over how many appointments, with a written estimate before anything starts.
- 03
Treatment
Fillings are done in short appointments, usually with local anaesthetic. We tend to group teeth on the same side to save you extra visits.
- 04
Review and maintenance
We check that your bite feels comfortable and set the next review and cleaning, generally once a year.
For your first appointment, bring a list of the medication you take, any known allergies and, if you have them, X-rays or reports from another dentist: they save repeating tests. If you have to drive after an appointment with an anaesthetic, bear in mind that your lip and cheek may stay numb for an hour or two. Book by calling 972 30 65 64 or through the contact form.
Accepted by most dental insurers. Give us a call and we'll tell you whether we work with yours.
Panoramic X-rays and dental CT scans are taken at Centre Mèdic Palafrugell, part of the same group, at Plaça de Catalunya, 5.
Who will see you
Dra. Glòria Rodrigo DavanProsthodontics and aesthetics, general dentistryRead her profile →
Dra. Maria Hernández ImazPeriodontics and general dentistryRead her profile →
Dra. Isabel García BorràsEndodonticsRead her profile →
Dra. Sandra Font de RubinatProsthodontics and aesthetics, general dentistryRead her profile →
Frequently asked questions about Conservative dentistry
Does having a filling hurt?
Usually not. We use local anaesthetic whenever the decay is deep or the tooth is sensitive, and we numb the gum with a gel before the injection. As the anaesthetic wears off the tooth may feel sensitive to cold for a few days. If the pain increases or does not settle, ring us and we will check it.
How long does a filling last?
It depends on its size, where the tooth is and how you look after it. A well-made composite filling can last many years, but it is not for life: it wears down with chewing and can start to leak at the edges. That is why we check older fillings at every review and replace them when the time comes.
How often should I come for a check-up?
For most adults, once a year along with a cleaning. If you are prone to decay, have gum disease or a dry mouth, or wear braces, we will suggest coming more often, every six months or sooner.
Does my insurance cover conservative dentistry?
It depends on your policy. Some dental insurers cover the appointment and the X-ray and apply agreed rates to fillings; others cover nothing at all. Ring us with your insurance details and we will check it before treatment starts.
Other treatments
Call or write to us
The quickest way is the phone: we'll answer straight away and find you a time. If you'd rather write, send the contact form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.