Cast Gold
Cast gold restorations are based on a model (or cast) of a tooth. Inlay (or onlay or overlay) of the same size and shape as the tooth is built, based on the model in a dental lab. This is called indirect restoration (made outside the mouth). Cast gold is a mixture of gold with other metals such as silver, platinum and copper. These metals make gold restorations more durable. One will need at least 2 visits to the dental clinic to get the job done.
First visit: the decay is cleaned out and a mould of your tooth is done. The cavity is filled with a temporary filling.
Second visit a week later: a cast gold that was made in a dental lab is cemented in place in your mouth.
- Advantages
Be sure to check examples of gold restorations here.
Second visit a week later: a cast gold that was made in a dental lab is cemented in place in your mouth.
- Advantages
- Gold is stronger than composite even when very thin
- Gold restorations statistically last a long time.
- Minimal tooth reduction required for gold allows for a very conservative drilling.
- Very short teeth that otherwise would require additional preparation steps can be restored with gold
- Gold costs around 4 times more than an average composite/white filling
- Gold fillings and crowns are indirect fillings, so they require at least two appointments.
- The gold colour may not appeal to people who want a "natural" look.
- Some people may be sensitive to components of gold alloy
Be sure to check examples of gold restorations here.