Please note we may not offer this procedure at our Tacoma dental office. Please call (253) 761-5422 to learn more.
A Premium Dental Restoration Option
Are you considering your options for dental fillings? At Petrie Advanced Dental in Tacoma, WA, we provide comprehensive information about various dental restoration types, including gold fillings. Call our Tacoma dental practice at (253) 761-5422 to discuss whether this premium option is right for your needs.
What Are Gold Fillings?
Gold fillings, also known as gold inlays or onlays, represent a premium type of dental restoration used to repair teeth damaged by decay or trauma. Crafted from a blend of pure gold and other metals like silver, copper, and platinum, these dental fillings create an exceptionally durable restoration material. Gold dental restorations have stood the test of time in modern dentistry, offering unique benefits that other filling materials simply can’t match.
Benefits of Gold Fillings
Gold fillings offer several significant advantages that make them worth considering:
- Unmatched Durability: Gold is an extremely strong and resilient material, making it ideal for posterior teeth (molars and premolars) that endure significant biting forces. These fillings can withstand daily chewing and biting pressure for decades without deteriorating.
- Superior Biocompatibility: Gold is exceptionally well-tolerated by the human body, making allergic reactions rare compared to other filling materials like silver amalgam. This biocompatibility makes gold an excellent choice for patients with sensitive teeth or material sensitivities.
- Impressive Longevity: With proper care and regular dental check-ups, gold fillings can remain functional for 15 to 30 years or longer—often outlasting composite fillings and other alternatives. This remarkable longevity translates to fewer replacements and potentially lower long-term costs.
- Minimal Tooth Sensitivity: Unlike silver fillings that can cause post-treatment discomfort, gold fillings rarely trigger tooth sensitivity. This makes them particularly beneficial for patients with already sensitive teeth or those concerned about post-procedure discomfort.
- Custom-Fitted Precision: Each gold filling is custom-fabricated in a dental laboratory to fit the exact contours of your prepared tooth, ensuring a tight seal that minimizes the risk of further decay around the restoration edges.
- Negligible Shrinkage: Unlike composite resin, gold fillings have minimal shrinkage after placement. This helps maintain the integrity of the restoration and reduces the risk of gaps or microleakage where tooth decay could recur.
- Exceptional Strength-to-Weight Ratio: The strength of gold means less tooth structure needs to be removed in some cases compared to other types of dental restorations, helping preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
- Complete Resistance to Corrosion: Gold doesn’t corrode or tarnish over time, ensuring your filling maintains its integrity for its entire lifespan—a significant advantage over some alternative materials.
Disadvantages of Gold Fillings
Just like other treatments, gold fillings have some disadvantages as well, including:
- Aesthetic Concerns: Gold fillings have a distinctive gold color, which can be highly visible in the mouth. This aesthetic factor makes them less suitable for front teeth or individuals who prioritize the natural appearance of their smile.
- Cost: Gold fillings are typically more expensive than other filling materials. The cost of gold, as a precious metal, contributes to the overall expense.
- Multiple Appointments: Getting a gold filling may require multiple dental visits. The process involves tooth preparation, impression taking, fabrication of the custom filling, fitting, cementing, and final adjustments.
- Allergic Reactions: Although rare, some individuals may be allergic to gold or the metals used in gold alloys. Allergic reactions can lead to discomfort, inflammation, or other adverse effects.
- Tooth Removal: Gold fillings may require more tooth removal compared to some other filling materials. This can weaken the tooth structure, potentially leading to the need for more extensive dental work in the future.
- Aesthetic Mismatch: If a patient has existing gold fillings and requires additional dental work, it may be challenging to match the color and appearance of the new fillings to the existing ones, resulting in a visually inconsistent smile.
- Visible Margins: In some cases, the margin of a gold filling may become visible over time as the gum line recedes or the filling wears down. This can affect the appearance of the restoration.
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 Tacoma, WA
Without insurance, gold fillings typically range from $250 to $2,000, with the current market value of gold affecting pricing. The size of the filling and the location of the damaged tooth also influence the total cost. Many dental insurance plans provide partial coverage for gold restorations, though coverage varies by provider and plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are gold fillings safe for my health?
Yes, gold fillings are considered extremely safe and have been used in dentistry for many decades with an excellent safety record. Their biocompatibility makes them well-tolerated by the human body.
Can I get a gold filling for a front tooth?
While technically possible, most dentists recommend alternative materials for front teeth due to aesthetic concerns. We can discuss cosmetic options like composite resin or porcelain for visible areas of your smile.
How long do gold fillings last compared to other materials?
With proper care, gold fillings can last 15-30+ years, significantly outlasting composite fillings (five to 10 years) and even silver amalgam fillings (10 to 15 years).
Is it possible to remove or replace an existing gold filling?
Yes, existing gold fillings can be removed if necessary, though a new restoration will be required to protect the tooth structure. We can discuss appropriate replacement options during your consultation.
Restore Your Oral Health at Petrie Advanced Dental in Tacoma
Ready to explore whether gold fillings are right for your dental restoration needs? Contact Petrie Advanced Dental today to schedule your personalized consultation! Dr. Petrie and our experienced Tacoma dental team will evaluate your oral health and recommend the best treatment options for your unique situation.
Call us today at (253) 761-5422 to book your dental filling appointment. We proudly serve patients throughout the South Puget Sound region, including Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Federal Way, Gig Harbor, and University Place.
