Dental Fillings And Inlays
Dental cavity solutions
Thailand welcomed an estimated 1.4 million worldwide medical tourists 2006.
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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.
| $100 |
$100 |
$60 |
$50 |
$100 |
$50 |
$50 |
$30 |
| €75 |
€75 |
€45 |
€40 |
€75 |
€35 |
€35 |
€22 |
| £50 |
£50 |
£30 |
£25 |
£50 |
£25 |
£25 |
£15 |
Dentists in Thailand
Find and Compare Dentists in Thailand
Click on any of the dental clinics in Thailand on the left to see their full details,
including phone numbers, reviews, prices and a map of the clinic’s location. See more
dentists in Thailand by using the page links at the bottom of the list. If you need a
specific dental treatment, use the search box to find clinics that can perform that
procedure. If you can’t see the exact dentist in Thailand that you are looking for,
either contact us using our consultation form or use the search box or the map to
check other locations.
Locations of Dentists in Thailand
Thailand is the home of Medical Tourism with a long established
reputation for healthcare quality. An estimated 1.4 million worldwide medical tourists
travelled to this low cost country in 2006, with many thousands of these being dental
patients from Europe, Australia and the United States.
Our three most popular dental clinics are:
Dentists in Thailand - Additional Information
Dentists in Thailand combines the ethical responsibility of western
dental bodies with a strong social aspect informed by the country's buddist roots.
Education is comparable to the world's best dentistry programs - a 6 year university
career is usually followed by 3 years of public service dentistry. Specialties have
their own associations, encouraging continuing education - a requirement for the modern
dentist and soon to be incorportated into Thailand's legal dental requirements. Healthcare
is well regulated with strong data-protection laws and a centralized complaints system.
Of course part of Thailand's appeal is due to its natural beauty
and cultural riches. These combined with high dental standards and low costs make
Thailand a popular choice. Our most popular destinations in Thailand are
Bangkok and
Phuket.
Dentists in Thailand - Prices
The following price guide indicates estimated cost of Dentistry in
Thailand. Please note that this is a guide only and you should always check with your
dentist directly.
*Exchange rates from 08/2007
Dentists in Thailand - Qualifications
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Thai Dentists complete a six year course in one of
Thailand's 8 governmental dental universities or 1 private university.
Graduates from one of the government institutions are required to spend
3 years following the completion of their degree in the public dental system.
Following graduation there are 10 areas of dentistry that practioners can
specialise in including general dentistry, orthodontics and prosthodontics.
Dental nurses and therapists also receive specialised training in Thailand.
Dentists are registered with the Thai Dental Council and
may be members of a number of professional associations: the largest being
the Dental Association of Thailand. While ongoing education is not mandatory
it is recommended by each of the specialist branches of dentistry within Thailand.
Organizations such as the Thai Association of Orthodontists offer continuing
education courses and update their recommended practices - keeping in continual
contact with their peer organizations across the world.
Dentists in Thailand - Patient Rights
Organizations
The Thai Dental Council is the central organization for registration
of dentists. A number of associations exist covering the range of specialties recognised
in the kingdom. Complaints fall under the jurisdiction of the Council.
Dental Ethics
Ethics are an integral part of Thai society and are heavily
influenced by Buddhist ideals. The Medical Council is responsible for promoting ethics
throughout Thailand's medical professions.
Complaints
The Medical Treatment Profession Act (1982) has a unified approach
to the rights of patients across the countries medical professions. Following a written
complaint the Dental Council will initiate an investigation. The Council has the power to
issue warnings, suspend practitioners for up to 2 years or permanently revoke the right to
practice.
Where harm has been done patients may follow legal proceeding through
the courts: Though the process has a reputation for being difficult for non-nationals.
Continuing education
Each specialty encourages the principle of continuous learning.
Continuing training is not mandatory though legislation is in draft at present.
Data Protection
A general data protection law exists - Official Information Act of
B.E. 2540. It has provisions for the protection of medical information. Disclosure of
information without a patients permission is covered by the Medical Profession Act and
may result in criminal proceedings.
Resources
Thai Dental Council
Dental Council website
(in Thai - English version content planned)