Getting dental fillings and dental bonding in Costa Rica is the affordable alternative for US residents. It’s no secret that dental treatments and procedures in the States are costly. If you happen not to have insurance that covers dental care, it can be even more expensive. With prices ranging from $200 to $600 depending on the material, extent of tooth decay, duration of the procedure, and even where in the United States you undergo treatment, getting proper dental care can considerably set you back financially. The cost of dental fillings and dental bonding in Costa Rica is much lower, and it can save you hundreds to thousands of dollars for the same degree of quality as any work you could get done in the U.S. Our dentists all have graduated from prestigious US dental schools, are fully bilingual, and are among the very best in their field.
We offer affordable solutions so that you can get the dental care you need while also visiting a beautiful tropical paradise unlike any other. Get the best dental treatment, at the best prices, and recover in Costa Rica, one of the most amazing tourist destinations in the world.
What are Dental Fillings?
Getting Dental Fillings in Costa Rica, as a treatment, differs in no way from the practice in the US.
It is a restorative treatment that can be used on damaged teeth stemming from small fractures, surface damage like cavities, and enamel loss caused by tooth decay. The treatment is intended to be a functional measure that allows an otherwise damaged tooth to function as intended, while preventing any further decay and prolonging its life.
The procedure itself is simple. A local anesthetic is administered to the area where the filling will be done in order to lessen any pain and discomfort the patient may experience. The tooth is then isolated to prevent moisture in the mouth from interfering with the process. The dentist then proceeds to clear and remove the damaged portions of the tooth with a drill and other specialized tools. Once enough of the decayed material has been removed, and the remaining area is deemed fit, the dentist can begin the filling process.
At this point, the dentist will apply the chosen filling material on the tooth, shaping it to fit the area. After allowing it some minutes to cure and harden, the filling material will set, effectively completing the tooth restoration process.
Recovery after having dental fillings done is very short, usually lasting about as long as the local anesthetic takes to wear off completely. Care for fillings is essentially the same as for any tooth: brush twice to three times daily with fluoride toothpaste, and floss with either an interdental cleaner or dental floss at least once a day. Rinsing with fluoride mouth rinses can also help maintain tooth health and prevent decay.
What is Dental Bonding?
Dental Bonding in Costa Rica is the same procedure as it is in the US. It is also not that different from getting dental fillings.
Both Dental Bonding and Dental Filling assist with maintaining tooth functionality and prolonging a tooth’s life, but bonding adds an aesthetic component that improves the appearance of the tooth. This treatment utilizes materials to change the tooth’s color, modify its shape, and enhance other cosmetic aspects of the tooth.
The procedure itself is almost identical to dental filling. A local anesthetic is applied, the tooth is isolated to prevent the interference of moisture, specialized tools are used to remove any damaged and decayed portions of the tooth as needed, and the chosen materials for bonding are applied to the area. The tooth is then shaped and modeled to fit the area and improve its appearance, and a high intensity light is then employed to cure and harden the material.
As with dental fillings, recovery is relatively short, and should take only a few hours until the local anesthetic wears off completely. Standard dental care such as regular brushing, flossing, and use of fluoride mouth rinse is recommended to ensure the tooth’s health and longevity.
Types of Fillings and Bonding
In Costa Rica, dental bonding and fillings are carried out in the same exact way, and with the same technology and degree of quality, as in the US.
There are various types of fillings based on what material is used, and what is commonly used has varied over time. For example, up until the Baby Boomer generation, it was rather common for people to get either silver or gold fillings. While these materials are still usable, newer materials have them, proving better overall in maintaining and prolonging a tooth’s health.
Composite Resin: Also known as tooth-colored composites, this type of fillings is used primarily in teeth located toward the front of the mouth but can also be used for other teeth. They are aesthetically pleasing as they can be made to match a patient’s natural teeth color shade. This is also the preferred material for dental bonding. It is very affordable, and on average lasts around 5 years.
Ceramics: Primarily made of porcelain, this material is more resistant to stains than Composite Resin but is also a bit more abrasive. It can last upwards of 15 years but it’s also more expensive than other materials, sometimes costing as much as gold.
Glass Ionomer: Composed of a specific type of glass material and acrylic, it is most often used for fillings for young children and treatment below the gum line. This material releases fluoride, so it can help prevent further tooth decay. It is, however, weaker than Composite Resin, as well as being more prone to fracture due to wear.
Amalgams: Also known as silver fillings. These can last from 10 to 15 years and generally outlast Composite Resin fillings. They are also the most affordable type of dental fillings.
Cast Gold: No longer as common as they once were, Gold fillings can last between 10 to 15 years and have the advantage that they don’t corrode. They are, however, very expensive, perhaps even more so because they have fallen out of favor compared to other more aesthetically pleasing materials.
Benefits of Getting Fillings & Bonding
The benefits of getting Fillings and Bonding done should already be apparent. The treatments don’t just remove damaged and decaying portions of teeth, but also improve their longevity and health, as well as making them better cosmetically. These treatments are part of the key to enjoying a beautiful smile for life.
The benefits of having these procedures done in Costa Rica are even better. Not only are the costs reduced considerably for the same quality of treatment, but you get to enjoy the paradisiac beauty of one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. And with our custom packages, you can get both, the dental care you need while embarking on the tourist adventure of a lifetime!
Costs of Fillings & Bonding
Dental Fillings and Bonding can be quite costly, often averaging a few hundred dollars per filling. With prices ranging from $200 to $600, the bill can get rather large over time. Whether you have insurance to cover some of the costs of dental healthcare or not, it is still a worrying and costly proposition, financially.
Our dentists have degrees from some of the best dental schools in the US, and they can provide you with the same quality and degree of dental care as you would get in any state, at just a fraction of the cost. There is no question that dental health is important and necessary for good quality of life, so why not get the best care at much more affordable prices?
Things to Consider When Thinking of Getting Fillings & Bonding
Before opting for getting these treatments, it is best to know what to expect. These are typically an hour on average, with the dentist taking X-rays to determine the extent of tooth decay, discuss the procedure with you, and the actual work on the tooth which takes a few minutes. The duration may increase depending on the number of fillings and bonding to be done per session, though generally only one or two are actually done at a time. The procedure produces little discomfort or pain.
After treatment, your mouth may remain numb for some time due to the anesthetic. The effects of it should wear off after a few short hours. You may also want to be careful when consuming food and chewing so as not to inadvertently damage your cheeks by biting on them. Also, depending on the material used, the tooth may remain sensitive for a short time after treatment.
Now that the treatment is done, you have time aplenty to enjoy what Costa Rica has to offer. So why not have a look at our recommendations so you can find out for yourself what to expect in this tropical paradise?
Contact us today for more information on getting affordable dental care!