Please note we may not offer this procedure at our Pearl dental office. Please call (601) 882-5600 to learn more.
Bring Long-Lasting Strength to Your Smile
Gold fillings remain a trusted option for dental restorations, combining durability with precision craftsmanship. If you’re seeking a filling material that stands the test of time and enhances your dental health, gold fillings might be the ideal choice.
To learn more about the types of dental fillings offered at Mint Dental, contact our Pearl, MS, dentist today by calling (601) 882-5600.
What Are Gold Fillings?
Gold fillings, also known as gold inlays or onlays, are custom-made dental restorations designed to repair teeth damaged by decay or trauma. Crafted from a mix of gold alloys, including silver and copper, they offer exceptional durability and a precise fit. While their use dates back decades, gold fillings remain a top choice for restorative dental procedures due to their strength and longevity.
Benefits of Gold Fillings
Gold fillings provide numerous advantages that make them a popular choice for specific dental needs:
- Unmatched Durability: Gold fillings are highly durable, withstanding chewing surfaces and biting forces for decades.
- Biocompatibility: Gold is gentle on oral tissues, minimizing the risk of allergic reactions or gum irritation.
- Longevity: With proper care, gold fillings can last 15 to 30 years or more, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
- Reduced Tooth Sensitivity: Gold fillings conduct heat less than silver amalgam, leading to fewer sensitivity issues.
- Precision Fit: Custom-crafted by a dental laboratory, gold fillings ensure a tight seal, protecting against further decay.
- Corrosion Resistance: Unlike other materials, gold doesn’t corrode, ensuring your restoration remains intact over time.
Disadvantages of Gold Fillings
While gold fillings offer incredible benefits, there are some considerations:
- Aesthetic Concerns: Gold fillings are noticeable, making them less suitable for front teeth or patients seeking natural-looking restorations.
- Higher Cost: As a precious metal, gold fillings are more expensive than alternatives like composite resin fillings.
- Multiple Visits Required: The process involves creating a custom restoration, requiring at least two dental visits.
- Tooth Preparation: Gold fillings may involve removing slightly more natural tooth structures than other materials.
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. If so, your custom treatment plan will be created.
Tooth Preparation
The dentist will numb the area around the tooth using a local anesthetic to ensure you’re comfortable during the procedure. The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth is removed using dental instruments, leaving behind a clean and prepared cavity. They’ll shape the cavity to allow for the 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 will create the gold filling. The filling is fabricated 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 will ensure that the gold filling fits perfectly into the prepared cavity. They’ll apply dental cement to the interior of the cavity and the filling. Then, the filling is carefully placed into the cavity and cemented securely in place.
Polishing and Final Adjustments
After the gold filling is cemented, any excess cement is removed. Your dentist will check your bite to ensure that it feels natural and comfortable. The filling is polished to ensure a smooth surface and a comfortable bite. Then, any final adjustments are made as needed to ensure proper alignment and function.
Gold Filling Costs in Pearl, MS
The cost of gold fillings typically ranges from $250 to $2,000, depending on factors such as the size of the filling, the tooth’s location, and current gold market prices. Insurance coverage may vary, so check with your provider for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! Gold fillings are highly durable and biocompatible, making them a safe and reliable choice.
While it’s possible, gold’s visibility makes it less ideal for front teeth. Patients often choose composite fillings for a natural appearance.
Yes, it’s possible to remove a gold filling, but it may require replacement with another restoration option.
Enhance Your Smile at Mint Dental
At Mint Dental, we prioritize your oral health and comfort. Whether you’re considering gold fillings or other restorative dental procedures, we’re here to help. Contact us at (601) 882-5600 to schedule an appointment today. We proudly serve Pearl, Brandon, Richland, Jackson, and nearby areas!