What Are Gold Fillings?
Gold fillings, also known as gold inlays or onlays, are a specialized type of dental restoration used to repair and restore teeth that have suffered from decay or trauma. These fillings are crafted from a unique blend of gold and other metals, such as silver, copper, and platinum, creating a durable and long-lasting dental filling material. Gold fillings have been a trusted choice in dentistry for many years, renowned for their unique properties and longevity.
The Benefits of Gold Fillings
Gold fillings offer a range of benefits that have made them a popular choice among dentists and patients alike:
- Exceptional Durability: Gold is a highly durable and long-lasting material, allowing gold fillings to withstand the
rigors of chewing and biting for many years, often outlasting other types of dental fillings. - Biocompatibility: Gold is biocompatible, meaning it’s well-tolerated by the human body and less likely to cause allergic reactions or sensitivities compared to some other filling materials, like silver fillings.
- Impressive Longevity: With proper care and maintenance, gold fillings have a proven track record of lasting for decades, often 15 to 30 years or even longer. This longevity can translate into cost savings over time, as fewer replacements are needed.
- Reduced Tooth Sensitivity: Gold fillings are less likely to cause tooth sensitivity than materials like silver amalgam, making them an excellent choice for individuals with sensitive teeth or concerns about post-treatment discomfort.
- Precise Fit: Gold fillings are custom-made to fit the specific contours of the prepared tooth, ensuring a tight seal that minimizes the risk of further decay or damage.
- Minimal Shrinkage: Unlike some other filling materials that may contract or shrink slightly after placement, gold fillings exhibit minimal shrinkage, helping to maintain the integrity of the restoration.
- Unmatched Strength: Gold’s inherent strength and resilience make it an excellent choice for restorations in posterior natural teeth (molars and premolars) that endure significant biting forces.
- Corrosion Resistance: Gold doesn’t corrode or tarnish, ensuring that the filling maintains its integrity and won’t deteriorate over time.
rigors of chewing and biting for many years, often outlasting other types of dental fillings. Potential Drawbacks of Gold Fillings
While gold fillings offer numerous advantages, it’s important to consider some potential drawbacks:
- Aesthetic Concerns: Gold fillings have a distinctive gold color, which can be highly visible in the mouth. This aesthetic factor may make them less suitable for front teeth or individuals who prioritize a natural-looking smile.
- Higher Cost: Gold fillings are typically more expensive than other filling materials due to the cost of gold as a precious metal.
- Multiple Appointments Required: Obtaining a gold filling may require multiple dental visits, including tooth preparation, impression taking, fabrication of the custom filling, fitting, cementing, and final adjustments.
- Rare Allergic Reactions: Although uncommon, some individuals may be allergic to gold or the metals used in gold alloys, which can lead to discomfort, inflammation, or other adverse effects.
- Tooth Removal: Gold fillings may require more natural tooth structure removal compared to some other filling materials, potentially weakening the tooth structure and necessitating more extensive dental procedures in the future.
- Aesthetic Mismatch: If a patient has existing gold fillings and requires additional dental work, matching the color and appearance of new fillings to the existing ones may be challenging, resulting in an inconsistent smile appearance.
- Visible Margins: In some cases, the margins between gold restorations may become visible over time as the gum line recedes or the filling wears down, affecting the restoration’s appearance.
The Gold Filling Process at Advanced Restorative Dentistry
At our Honolulu dental practice, Dr. Nishime and our team follow a meticulous process to ensure the best possible outcome for your gold filling:
- Diagnosis and Treatment Planning: Dr. Nishime will assess the extent of tooth damage and determine if a gold filling is the best option. If so, a custom treatment plan will be created.
- Tooth Preparation: The area around the tooth will be numbed using a local anesthetic for your comfort. The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth will be removed, leaving behind a clean and prepared cavity shaped for the proper placement of the gold filling.
- Impression Taking: An impression of the prepared tooth will be taken to create a custom-fitted gold filling.
- Filling Fabrication: The impression will be sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians will meticulously craft the gold filling to match the specific contours and dimensions of the prepared tooth.
- Fitting and Cementing: Once the gold filling is ready, you’ll return to our office for placement. Dr. Nishime will ensure a perfect fit into the prepared cavity, apply dental cement, and carefully place and secure the filling.
- Polishing and Final Adjustments: After cementing, any excess cement will be removed, and your bite will be checked for proper alignment and comfort. The filling will be polished for a smooth surface, and any necessary final adjustments will be made.
Gold Filling Costs in Honolulu, HI
The cost of gold fillings in Honolulu, HI, can range from $250 to $2,000 without insurance. The price may fluctuate based on the market value of gold, as well as factors like the size of the filling and the location of the damaged tooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, gold fillings are considered safe and have been used for dental filling materials for many decades without significant issues.
While possible, the aesthetic concerns of a gold filling on a front tooth may lead to other options being preferred for optimal cosmetic results.
Yes, it’s possible to remove a gold filling, but it may require replacement with another restoration option. In situations such as these, your dentist will discuss your options for dental fillings and other restorations with you.
Learn More About Alluring Gold Fillings, Call Now!
If you’re in need of a cavity filling or restorative dental treatment, don’t hesitate to contact Advanced Restorative Dentistry. Dr. Nishime and our skilled team in Honolulu, HI, will evaluate your oral health and recommend the best treatment option for you, including the possibility of a durable and long-lasting gold filling. Call our office today at (808) 732-0291 to schedule your appointment and take the first step towards restoring the health, function, and beauty of your smile.