Affordable Dental Fillings Abroad
Medically reviewed by
Dr. Henry Hackney, DMD
23 Sep 2022
Do you feel a void in your teeth? Yes! It’s a cavity. Affordable dental fillings abroad is the solution if you lack dental insurance.
Wouldn’t you want to save 70-80% on treatment costs compared to the US? If yes, then continue reading the article to know how.
A filling is a standard treatment for cavities in your teeth. Your dentist uses a filling, also referred to as a direct restoration, to replace the tooth damaged by decay.
What To Expect During a Dental Filling Abroad?
- At the beginning of your procedure, you may be given local anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth.
- The anesthesia will be given depending on the severity of caries.
- Depending on the tooth to be treated, you may experience varying degrees of numbness.
- Often the dentist will need to anesthetize the cheek or tongue and the tooth and surrounding tissue.
- Then the dentist will use a dental handpiece to cut through the enamel and remove any decay.
- After this, the dentist will shape the space to ready it for the filling.
- For a bonded filling, your dentist will etch the tooth with an acid gel before placing the filling.
- Etching helps to bond the filling to the tooth, ensuring it will stay in place.
- The dentist will layer on the tooth-colored resin for certain fillings and harden it using a bright light.
- After placement of the filling, the dentist will polish the tooth.
The actual process takes 10-30 mins, depending on the amount of tooth decay present.
However, your mouth may be numb for a few hours afterward till the anesthetic wears off.
Types of Dental Fillings
The easiest material for a dentist to use. It is a mixture of mercury, silver, tin, or other metals.
👍 Pro: It is the fastest and least expensive option.
👍 Pro: These offer great strength and durability. Silver fillings last at least 10 to 15 years. [1]
👎 Con: More prone to expanding and contracting on the tooth, making them more likely to cause a crack on the tooth.
👎 Con: These fillings can create a grayish hue to the surrounding tooth structure.
👎 Con: Healthy parts of the tooth often need to be removed to make a space large enough to hold the amalgam filling.
👎 Con: They are prone to fracture when used for multi-surface fillings.
Some patients find gold more pleasing to the eye than silver amalgam fillings.
👍 Pro: These can last up to 15 years and are non-corrosive. [2]
👍 Pro: These can withstand chewing forces.
👎 Con: Gold is costly and is more complex to handle for your dentist.
👎 Con: These require more than one visit to the dentist to fit them properly.
👍 Pro: It can be closely matched to your tooth color.
👍 Pro: If performed in aseptic conditions, it can last years.
👎 Con: They are very technique sensitive.
👎 Con: It can take up to 20 minutes longer than amalgam fillings to place.
👎 Con: May shrink, leading to sensitivity.
Features
- Particularly well suited for use in front teeth or visible parts of teeth.
- It can also be used to repair chipped, broken, or worn teeth.
👍 Pro: Often made of porcelain, these fillings are durable and pleasing to the eye.
👍 Pro: Can be used to protect brittle teeth, especially following an RCT.
👎 Con: These fillings do wear down on the opposing teeth because of their rough material.
👎 Con: As expensive as gold fillings.
👎 Con: They require special equipment and may require dental lab support.
👎 Con: You may need several dental appointments.
Feature: They are resistant to staining compared to composite resins.
👍 Pro: These release fluoride, which can help protect the tooth from further decay.
👍 Pro: They are white in color, thus matching the aesthetics of the natural teeth.
👎 Con: Generally lasts five years or less with costs comparable to composite resin.
👎 Con: Traditional glass ionomer does not match your tooth color as precisely as composite resin.
Features
- Often used for small cavities or cavities between teeth.
- The best option for children since their teeth are still changing.
What To Expect After a Filling?
Once the numbness from the anesthesia wears off, you may notice the following sensations in your mouth:
- Tenderness in your gums.
- Pain in the teeth surrounding the filling.
- Pain in the affected tooth when eating, brushing, or flossing.
- Possible pain on biting. (You should inform the dentist if it does not subside in 1-2 weeks.)
- Sensitivity in your teeth, especially when breathing in cold air, drinking hot or cold foods or liquids.
After-Care Instructions for Fillings
If you’ve just received a cavity filling, you may want to refrain from activities, including:
- Try not to eat or drink anything until the anesthesia has worn off.
- Avoid consuming solid foods until 24 hours after the cavity has been filled. It will give it time to set completely and protect your tooth.
- It is especially true for amalgam fillings, as they take 24 hours to set completely. (Composite fillings are entirely cured and bonded during placement.)
- Do not consume foods or beverages that are extremely hot or cold.
- Temporarily avoid acidic foods and drinks, such as citrus fruits and wine.
- It would help to avoid sticky or hard snacks, like candy, gum, or popcorn.
- If you have cavities filled on one side of your mouth, try chewing from the opposite side for the first few days.
- Use desensitizing toothpaste.
- If you experience mouth sensitivity for more than two weeks, contact your dentist.
Maintenance Tips for Dental Fillings
Here are some daily care tips that can extend the life of your fillings:
✅ Restrict your consumption of sugary drinks and foods. These can cause acid to build upon your teeth and break down the filling over time.
✅ Use toothpaste with fluoride.
✅ Brush your teeth at least twice a day, preferably after meals. Floss once a day to keep your filling clean of debris.
✅ Avoid teeth grinding. A mouth guard may help prevent you from grinding your teeth while sleeping.
✅ Visit your dentist regularly. A visit every 6 months is recommended.
Tooth decay prevention tips
Dental Fillings Cost Abroad
Dental filling abroad costs without insurance vary depending on how many fillings you need and the type of material used to fill the tooth.
The average cost for a filling in the U.S. starts from $150 and may go upto $450. The same composite filling would cost you $40.
Even the higher range of cost in Mexico is $70 for one surface. You can save 70-80% on costs.
Dental Fillings Cost in Different Countries (In USD)
| Country | Cost |
|---|---|
| USA | $150 – $450 |
| UK | $160 – $250 |
| Australia | $300 – $400 |
| New Zealand | $240 – $280 |
| Mexico | $40 – $100 |
| Costa Rica | $70 – $170 |
| Thailand | $45 – $55 |
| India | $20 – $90 |
| Turkey | $40 – $70 |
If you opt for any popular dental tourism destinations like Mexico, Costa Rica, or Thailand;
In that case, you can save more than half of what you would have spent in the US, Australia, or New Zealand.
Don't burn a hole in your pocket; just get it filled!
Request custom quoteBest Countries for Low-Cost Dental Fillings Abroad
We at dentavacation bring you well-researched and handpicked clinics which are the most economical solution for you.
If you choose to get dental fillings abroad with us, you can rest assured that you are in safe hands.
Our partner clinics are across the globe in different countries, some of which are:
Mexico is the nearest country to the USA.
One can easily travel as it is 40 mins drive from San Diego, as it’s only 16 miles away from Tijuana, Mexico. [3]
Mexico has not only the best dentistry but also unique places to visit.
One can choose Mexico as their dental tourism destination and enjoy a vacation after treatment.
If you are from US or Canada, Cosa Rica can also be a great option for dental tourism.
The country has direct flights from US and Canada.
Our partner clinics have the best dentists and state-of-the-art technology.
Furthermore, if you are from Canada or Europe, you do not require a visa for 90 days. [4]
The cost of dental filling in Costa Rica starts from $70.
India is the land of culture and heritage, valor, and devotion. India is home to 1.3 Billion people. [5]
Choosing India will make you eligible to get the best dental treatment at our partner clinics.
Also, you get a chance to explore the beauty of India.
A vacation in India after treatment will give you mesmerizing memories.
The cost of dental filling in India ranges from $20-$90.
Dental fillings in Turkey would save more than 70% compared to the cost in the UK.
Turkey has an amazing geographic location. Istanbul, Turkey is the link between two continents. [6]
Our partner clinics in Turkey ensure the safety and quality of treatment.
Tooth fillings in Turkey cost start from $40.
The country is named “Land of Smiles.” [7]
This name signifies that Thailand is the hub of fun, adventure, and dentistry.
Our Partner clinics and dentists are experts in their fields.
They can revamp your smile like a new one.
Also, you can explore amazing tourists destinations and the traditional food of Thailand.
Dental filling in Thailand would cost you around $45.
Conclusion
Get rid of the annoying feeling when food gets stuck in that cavity. Low-cost dental fillings abroad is the boon we bring to you.
Contact DentaVacation today and rest assured of getting the best treatment.
Dental Fillings FAQs
Only your dentist can detect whether you have a cavity that needs a filling.
During your checkup, the dentist will use a small mirror to examine each tooth.
Dental fillings are used for smaller cavities, whereas you may need root canal therapy if the tooth has more extensive damage.
Signs and symptoms of needing a root canal treatment include:
- Constant, throbbing pain
- Severe pain on biting/chewing
- Tooth sensitivity to hot/cold foods or liquids
- Swelling of the gums around the tooth
- Tooth discoloration
Fillings can sometimes loosen and fall out. Don’t panic in such situations. Contact your dentist immediately.
Not seeking immediate care could result in pain, discomfort, and sometimes, even tooth loss.
- Gold fillings are the most long-lasting. These can last anywhere from 15 to 30 years.
- Silver amalgam fillings can last from 10 to 15 years.
- Composite resin fillings need to be replaced every 5 to 7 years. [8]
- Tooth fillings usually last for many years but can wear out over years of chewing.
- If you clench or grind your teeth, you may need to have replaced fillings sooner.
- If you notice cracks or worn areas, see your dentist to have the filling replaced as soon as possible.
- Continuing to chew with a damaged filling can cause the tooth to crack.
- If sensitivity of the tooth occurs or persists.
