Dental Fillings And Inlays
Dental cavity solutions

Dental fillings are used to make small repairs to teeth that have been damaged due to tooth decay or fracture. They are normally relatively simple and inexpensive. For this reason very few (if any) people travel abroad for fillings.

However, fillings are often necessary as part of larger work, or the dentist may discover  they are necessary and it often make sense to get  fillings  done at the same time as other work.

You can browse a list of clinics that provide filiings and inlays here on RevaHealth.com. If you need any help deciding which clinic to choose, just ask us for help.

What is a Dental Filling or Inlay?

A filling is simply a material that is placed into a cavity in a tooth. The filling helps to protect against further decay and strengthens the tooth.
You might need a filling if:

• There is minor decay or a tooth
• You  have a small fracture in a tooth
• If you have a metal/amalgam filling that you want replaced with more natural looking filling
• Composite filling are often used for purely cosmetic purposes in cosmetic bonding

Things to look out for are

• Composite fillings are more expensive that amalgams
• Not all dentists are trained in composite fillings
• Amalgam filling contain mercury which is released to the atmosphere after death (if incinerated)
• There are some, although unproven long term  health concerns associated with amalgam fillings

What is the procedure like?

Once the dentist has isolated and anesthetised the damaged area of the tooth, he will remove the decay with a drill or laser and cleanse the area of bacteria. The resulting cavity is roughed so that the resin will bond. It is then filled with an amalgam, composite or porcelain filling. In the case of composite fillings, the resin is applied in layers and hardened with a special light. Once the final layers have been applied the filling will be adjusted and polished.

What different types exist?

Amalgam – These are commonly referred to as metal fillings and can be quite visible. They contain mercury and although there have been ongoing questions about their long term safety there is no proof that they are a health hazard. However, it is becoming common for amalgam fillings to be replaced by composite fillings. Amalgam fillings have a lifespan of roughly 12 years

Composite/PorcelainComposite fillings can be made to match the coloration of your teeth. They are most costly and require specialized equipment and take longer to do.  More of the natural tooth can be preserved with composite fillings as the resin can be bonded in thin layers. Note that not all dentists can perform composite fillings.  Composite fillings have a lifespan of 5 to 7 years.

Inlays – If a large portion of you tooth is missing but a crown is not required then an inlay might be a good option.  An inlay involves a fabricated filling that is inserted between the cusps of a tooth – they can be made of gold, porcelain or resin. Inlays are considerably more expensive than fillings; however they are normally a replacement for a crown rather than a filling.

What affects the price?

• The dentist selected
• The position of the filling
• The number of tooth surfaces the filling has
• The number of fillings required
• The type of fillings and in the case of inlays the material used

Price Comparison (Amalgam)

Price lists should always be viewed with caution as many factors can increase or decrease the resulting price. The follow table gives some indicative costs for fillings across the world. Composite fillings tend to be twice the price of amalgam.

Dentists in Greece
Save yourself up to 70% on cosmetic dentistry in Greece

Athens is one of Europe's oldest and most renouned cities. The Parthenon stands above a viberant modern centre, where museums filled with priceless antiquities stand among streets busy with cafes, restaraunts and great shopping.

Benefits of travelling to Greece

Greece and in particular Athens is a highly desirable dental destination. Access is easy with frequent flights from many airlines across Europe. An EU member since 1982 Greece has adapted its medical and dental institutions to fully conform with stringent EU standards: These include the monitoring of facilities and checks on the quality of equipment and materials used during procedures. A lower costs basis compared to Northern and Western European countries enable Greek dentists to compete at the highest levels of quality while offering substantially cheaper prices

Our three most popular dental clinics are:

Dentists in Greece - Qualifications

Qualification to practice dentistry in Greece is obtained after a 5 year (10 semester) university degree course. The quality of this training is adapted to the EU standard, allowing Greek dentists to practice elsewhere in the EU. Dentists from other member states may practice in Greece once they are in good standing with their own dental authority and can show a proficiency in the Greek language.

After qualification a number of continuing education options are available after a minimun of two years clinical experience. Two specialties are recognized by the Greek dental authorities: Orthodontics - a three year course; and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery which has an extensive 5 year training period. Addtional courses are available concentrating on specific procedure types such as Implant Biology and Prosthodontics: These courses are awarded a diploma or masters.

Dentists in Greece - Additional Information

Organizations

The Hellenic Dental Association (HDA) is the professional association for dentists in Greece. Membership is compulsory. All dentists must be registered with one of the 52 Regional Dental Societies which themselves are automatic members of the HDA.

Dental Ethics

Greek dentists follow a code of ethics that expands upon the core European code of ethics. It is administered at a local level by regional dental associations and centrally by the Hellenic Dental Association.

Continuing education

There is mandatory continuing education though no process for accessment is presently in place. A large number of 2-3 year courses are available to dentists to broaden their skill set into various specialties such as: Implants Biology; Endodontics; Prosthodontics etc...

Complaints

Complaints may be lodged with the Dental Association or directly with the Central Disciplinary Council of the the Ministry of Health. A fine or censure may be issued and in extreme cases the right to practice may be removed. Action through the civil courts is also possible.

Data Protection

The 2005 Code of Medical Ethics has articles covering a patients right to access their medical records (article 11) as well as the obligations of the medical professionals to protect that data.
Data is also protected under Act 2472/97 where medical records are designated as sensitive data: this category imposes additional obligations on the storage and access to data.

Resources

Ministry of Health
Ministry of Health and Welfare
17-19 Aristotelous Street
GR- 101 87 Athens
Tel: +32 10 52 32 821-9
Email: webmaster@mohaw.gr
Website: www.mohaw.gr/ (in Greek)

Hellenic Dental Association
38, Themistokleous Street
GR- 106 78 Athens
Tel: +32 10 38 13 380
+32 10 33 02 343
Fax: +32 10 38 34 385
E-mail: eoo@otenet.gr
Website: www.eoo.gr (in Greek)

Council of Euopean Dentists
CED/DLC Code of Ethics (Word Doc)