Dental Fillings - Spring Hill, TN

Gold Fillings

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Please be aware that we might not offer this procedure at our Spring Hill, TN office. For more information, please call (931) 391-3089.

What Are Gold Fillings?

Gold fillings, also referred to as gold inlays or onlays, are a form of dental restoration used to repair teeth that have suffered damage due to decay or trauma. These fillings are crafted from a blend of gold and other metals like silver, copper, and platinum, creating a robust and long-lasting dental filling material. Gold fillings are renowned for their unique characteristics and have been a staple in dentistry for many years.

To discover more about the types of dental fillings available at Dentistry by Design, reach out to our Spring Hill, TN dentist today by calling (931) 391-3089.

Benefits of Gold Fillings

Gold fillings offer numerous advantages, including:

Durability: Gold is an incredibly durable and long-lasting material. Gold fillings can endure the forces of chewing and biting for many years, often outlasting other dental filling materials.
Biocompatibility: Gold is biocompatible, meaning it is well-tolerated by the human body. It is less likely to cause allergic reactions or sensitivities compared to some other filling materials.
Longevity: Gold fillings have a proven history of lasting for decades. With proper care and maintenance, they can remain effective for 15 to 30 years or even longer, potentially resulting in cost savings over time due to fewer replacements.
Less Tooth Sensitivity: Gold fillings are less likely to cause tooth sensitivity compared to materials like silver amalgam, which can be beneficial for individuals with sensitive teeth or concerns about post-treatment discomfort.
Precision 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 other filling materials that may shrink slightly after placement, gold fillings exhibit minimal shrinkage, maintaining the integrity of the restoration and reducing the risk of gaps or microleakage.
Strength: Gold is a strong and resilient material, making it an excellent choice for restorations in posterior teeth (molars and premolars) that endure significant biting forces.
Resistance to Corrosion: Gold does not corrode or tarnish, ensuring that the filling maintains its integrity and does not deteriorate over time.

Disadvantages of Gold Fillings

Gold fillings also have some drawbacks, including:

Aesthetic Concerns: Gold fillings have a distinctive gold color, which can be quite visible in the mouth, making them less suitable for front teeth or for those prioritizing a natural smile appearance.
Cost: Gold fillings are generally more expensive than other filling materials. The cost of gold, being a precious metal, contributes to the overall expense.
Multiple Appointments: Receiving a gold filling may require multiple dental visits, involving tooth preparation, impression taking, custom filling fabrication, fitting, cementing, and final adjustments.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may be allergic to gold or the metals used in gold alloys, leading to discomfort, inflammation, or other adverse effects.
Tooth Removal: Gold fillings may necessitate more tooth removal compared to some other filling materials, potentially weakening the tooth structure and requiring more extensive dental work in the future.
Aesthetic Mismatch: If a patient has existing gold fillings and needs additional dental work, matching the color and appearance of new fillings to existing ones may be challenging, resulting in a visually inconsistent smile.
Visible Margins: Over time, the margin of a gold filling may become visible as the gum line recedes or the filling wears down, affecting the restoration’s appearance.

Gold Fillings Process

Diagnosis and Treatment Planning

Your dentist will assess the extent of tooth damage and determine if a gold filling is the best option, creating a custom treatment plan if so.

Tooth Preparation

The dentist will numb the area around the tooth with a local anesthetic to ensure comfort during the procedure. The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is removed, leaving a clean and prepared cavity. The cavity is then shaped for proper placement of the gold filling.

Impression Taking

An impression of the prepared tooth is taken to create a custom-fitted gold filling.

Filling Fabrication

The impression is sent to a dental laboratory, where skilled technicians create 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 the dentist’s office for placement. The dentist ensures the gold filling fits perfectly into the prepared cavity, applies dental cement, and securely places the filling.

Polishing and Final Adjustments

After cementing the gold filling, any excess cement is removed. The dentist checks your bite for natural feel and comfort, polishes the filling for a smooth surface, and makes any final adjustments needed for proper alignment and function.

Gold Filling Costs

Gold fillings range from $250 to $2,000 without insurance. The price fluctuates based on the market value of gold, and other factors such as the size of the filling and the location of the damaged tooth also influence the total cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are gold fillings safe?

Yes, gold fillings are considered safe and have been used for many decades without significant issues.

Can I get a gold filling for a front tooth?

While possible, aesthetic concerns may lead to other options being preferred for front teeth.

Is it possible to remove a gold filling?

Yes, it is possible to remove a gold filling, but it may require replacement with another restoration option.

Learn More About Gold Tooth Filling

Do you need a cavity or tooth decay filled? Contact Dentistry by Design today to schedule your appointment! Dr. Robinette and our Spring Hill, TN dental team will evaluate your oral health and recommend the best treatment for you. Schedule your appointment with Dr. Robinette by calling (931) 391-3089 as a new patient and (931) 486-0700 as a returning patient or filling out our online contact form. We’re excited to meet new and returning patients from around Spring Hill, including Thompson’s Station, Jameson, and Bethesda, TN.

Restore, Repair, Regain.

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