All 10 Clinics that provide Fillings in Malta

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.

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.

Malta lies at the heart of the Mediterranaen. Its history streches from five thousand year old temples, through crusader castles and the art of Caravaggio to today's vibrant city life and tranquil beaches. An E.U member, access is easy and uncomplicated.

Benefits of travelling to Malta

Malta offers a unique dental location. With a total of 150 practicing dentists, regulation is easy and efficient. As just 6 dentists graduate a year, every graduate has a closely observed training period. In contrast to the random sampling of clinics in most countries, Malta checks each clinic once a year to ensure the highest standards are maintained.

Dentists in Malta - Qualifications

Malta has a long association with the UK and its dental training follows the same 5 year programme. There is one dental school and it is regulated by the Medical Board.

Following graduation it is common to join a two year vocational training programme before entering private practice. Specialties are available with orthodontics and facial surgery currently recognised.

Continuing education will soon be mandatory for renewal of licence and in practice is universally followed with the Dental Association of Malta co-ordinating with the dental university to provide courses in skills maintainance and progression.

Dentists in Malta - Additional Information

Organizations

Coordination of Malta's dental healthcare is the responsibility of the Ministry of Health. Much of the regulation of the profession is the responsibility of the Medical Council of Malta, an independant body to which all dentists must belong. The Medical Council holds the register of all dentists qualified to practice in Malta.

The Dental Association of Malta is the professional association. It helps organize training and skills development and informs its members of trends in modern dentistry. About 50% of dentists in Malta are members of the Association.

Dental Ethics

The Medical Council of Malta has a comprehensive code of ethics which covers both the broader medical and the dental profession. It has specific sections on ensuring the health of the patient without regard to profit, the fair application of fees and the protection of a patient's privacy.

Complaints

The Medical Council has the power to suspend or remove the right to practice (No dentist has been removed from the dental register in the history of the Council). The right to action through the civil courts is unaffected by any complaint lodged with the medical council.

Data Protection

A 2003 law covers all aspects of the protection of data, both paper and electronic. This is fully complient with EU regulations on data protection. In addtion the ethical code of the Medical Council covers the duties of a dentist towards the privacy of their patients.

Resources

Ministry of Health:
Palazzo Castellania,
15 Merchant's Street,
Valletta,
VLT 2000,
Malta.
website: www.sahha.gov.mt/

Register of Dentists:
There is a register of all dentists qualified to practice in Malta on the Ministry of Health website.
website: http://www.sahha.gov.mt/pages.aspx?page=87

Medical Council of Malta
181 Melita Street,
Valletta,
CMR02,
Malta.
tel: 21255540
fax: 21255541

Dental Association of Malta
The Professional Centre,
Sliema Road, Gzira GZR 06
Malta.
tel: +356 2131 2888
fax: +356 2131 2004
email: mfpb@maltanet.net
website: dentalamalta.com

Ethical Code
Medical Council: The Ethical Code

The biggest choice of fillings clinics in Malta with Prices, Patient Reviews, Maps. Everything you need to find the best fillings for you in Malta.