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?

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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 Mexico
Save yourself up to 70% on cosmetic dentistry in Mexico

Mexican Dentistry

Dentists in Mexico can equal the best available across the world. The Asociación Dental Mexicana has over 50 years experience regulating its members and encourages continuing education and high ethical standards. Many Mexican dentists will also belong to the American Dental Association, benefiting from its training programs and keeping up to date with the latest in dental technologies.

Our three most popular dental clinics are:

Benefits of Travelling to Mexico

Perhaps the most obvious benefits of Mexico as a dental destination for Americans is its proximity and its low costs. A short car journey can put Califorians in the middle of one of the highest densities of dental clinics in the world.

Too much choice can be confusing, and with irregular federal oversight you need to know what to look for. Good dentists regularly attend courses to update their skills. Joining dental associations, whether Mexican or American is a good indication that a dentist is dedicated to their continuing professional development. Check the staff sections of clinics to see the academic work and practical training the dentists have completed.

Lower labour costs and cheaper office space allow Mexico's dentists to offer comparable treatments to their U.S neighbours at a very competitive cost. Our most popular destination in Mexico is currently Tijuana

Dentists in Mexico - Price Guide

The following price guide indicates estimated cost of Dentistry in Mexico. Please note that this is a guide only and you should always check with your dentist directly.

*Exchange rates from 08/2007

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Dentists in Mexico - Qualifications

Dental training and certification in Mexico is very similar to the United States. Study takes five years: four years of dental school followed by a one year internship and the passing of a professional exam.

Though there is no mandatory continuing education, many Mexican dentists avail of training courses run locally, in the U.S or Europe. There are 50 dental schools, regulated by the federal government.

There are 9 recognized dental specialties in Mexico including Endodontics, Periodontics and Orthodontics.

Dentists in Mexico - Additional Information

Organizations

All dentists must posses a certificate of graduation from a licenced educational institution.The title of dentist is confered at a federal level allowing free movement of dentists through the country.

The Asociación Dental Mexicana was established in 1942. The Consejo de Certificación de la Asociación Dental Mexicana registers Mexican dentists and the Asociación is more broadly responsible for the ethical and educational development of dentistry in Mexico. Certification with the ADM is not manditory.

Dental Ethics

Members of the ADM are bound by its code of ethics that stipulates the duties of dental surgeons. In common with the U.S and E.U these clarify the duty of a dentist to do no harm, look after the ongoing health of the patient, guard the confidentiality of client information and pass that information on to another dentist at the request of the patient.

Complaints

Ethical and procedural complaints can be passed to the ADM if the performing dentist is a member. Recourse through the courts is difficult and time consuming.

Continuing education

The ADM believes in the principle of continuous education for dentists. There is a process of recertification every 5 years which involves an examination of dental skills: all ADM members should have a copy of their certification valid for the current period.

Data Protection

There is data protection legislation in place in Mexico with specific categories for medical records. The ethical responsibilities of dental surgeons for the management of records include additional duties (see the dental ethics section above).

Resources

The Asociación Dental Mexicana
http://www.adm.org.mx
Ethical Code (Spanish)
etica.html