Why Choose Gold Restorations?
Gold restorations remain a trusted option for many patients due to their unique benefits:
- Exceptional Durability: Gold is extremely strong and resistant to wear, making it ideal for back teeth that handle heavy chewing forces.
- Long-Lasting Results: With proper care, gold restorations can last many years.
- Precise Fit: Gold can be crafted with remarkable accuracy, allowing for a tight seal that helps protect the tooth.
- Biocompatibility: Gold is well-tolerated by gum tissues and is unlikely to cause irritation.
- Preserves Natural Tooth Structure: Inlays and onlays allow more of your natural tooth to remain intact compared to full crowns.
The Gold Restoration Process
Receiving a gold inlay, onlay, or overlay typically involves two visits to Dental Partners of Creve Coeur. Here’s what you can expect:
Initial Consultation and Preparation
Dr. Singh will examine your tooth, take digital X-rays if needed, and determine whether a gold restoration is appropriate. The damaged or decayed portion of the tooth will be carefully removed, and the tooth will be shaped to accommodate the restoration. An impression will be taken to ensure a precise custom fit.
Temporary Protection
A temporary restoration may be placed to protect the tooth while your custom gold restoration is being fabricated.
Placement and Bonding
Once the custom restoration is ready, you will return for placement. Dr. Singh will carefully check the fit, adjust your bite as needed, and securely bond the restoration to your tooth. The result is a strong, functional restoration designed to restore comfort and chewing ability.
How Do Gold Restorations Compare to Other Options?
Gold inlays, onlays, and overlays are often recommended for patients who prioritize durability and longevity, particularly for molars and premolars. While tooth-colored materials are available for similar restorations, gold remains one of the most durable restorative materials in dentistry.
During your consultation, Dr. Singh will discuss all available options and help you determine the best solution based on your dental health, preferences, and long-term goals.
Caring for Your Gold Restoration
Maintaining your gold restoration is simple and similar to caring for your natural teeth:
- Brush at least twice daily and floss regularly.
- Avoid chewing excessively hard objects such as ice or hard candies.
- Attend routine dental check-ups and cleanings.
- Address teeth grinding or clenching if recommended.
With proper care, gold restorations can provide dependable performance for many years.
Is a Gold Inlay, Onlay, or Overlay Right for You?
You may be a good candidate for a gold restoration if you have:
- Moderate tooth decay or damage
- A weakened tooth that does not require a full crown
- Large existing fillings that need replacement
- A desire for a highly durable restorative option
Dr. Singh will evaluate your specific situation and recommend the most appropriate treatment for restoring your tooth’s health and function.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you have a damaged tooth or have been told you may need a restoration, contact Dental Partners of Creve Coeur to schedule a consultation with Dr. Sartaj Singh. Our team is here to help you explore your restorative options and protect your smile with durable, high-quality care.
Take the next step toward restoring your tooth strength and comfort today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gold Inlays, Onlays & Overlay Restorations
What are gold inlays, onlays, and overlays, and how are they different from each other?
All three are custom-made restorations fabricated outside the mouth and bonded to a damaged tooth, but they differ in how much of the tooth surface they cover. A gold inlay fits within the grooves of the chewing surface and is used when damage is limited to the central portion of the tooth. A gold onlay extends over one or more of the raised cusps when damage is more extensive. A gold overlay covers a larger portion of the tooth surface and is used when significant structure needs to be restored but a full crown isn’t yet necessary. Dr. Singh will determine which is appropriate based on the extent of damage to your specific tooth.
Why would Dr. Singh recommends gold rather than a tooth-colored restoration?
Gold is one of the most durable restorative materials in dentistry and has a track record spanning decades. It withstands the heavy chewing forces of back molars exceptionally well, creates an extremely precise fit that seals the tooth effectively, and is well-tolerated by gum tissue. For patients who prioritize longevity over aesthetics on teeth that aren’t visible when they smile, gold is often the most clinically sound choice. Dr. Singh offers tooth-colored alternatives as well and will walk you through the tradeoffs honestly so you can make the right decision for your situation.
How are gold inlays, onlays, and overlays different from a regular filling or a crown?
A filling is placed directly in the chair and is best suited for smaller areas of decay. A crown covers the entire visible portion of the tooth and is used when damage is too extensive for anything less. Gold inlays, onlays, and overlays occupy the middle ground. They’re custom-fabricated in a dental lab for a precise fit, making them stronger and more durable than a direct filling, while preserving more natural tooth structure than a crown requires. They’re the right choice when damage is too significant for a filling but the tooth doesn’t yet need full crown coverage.
How long does the process take?
Getting a gold inlay, onlay, or overlay typically requires two appointments. At the first visit, Dr. Singh removes the damaged or decayed portion of the tooth, shapes it to receive the restoration, takes precise impressions, and places a temporary restoration to protect the tooth while your custom piece is being fabricated at the dental lab. At the second appointment, Dr. Singh checks the fit, adjusts the bite as needed, and bonds the restoration permanently into place. The whole process is straightforward and most patients find it very manageable.
Is the procedure painful?
The preparation appointment is done under local anesthesia, so you won’t feel pain during the procedure. Dr. Singh is well known for his near-painless injection technique, which takes the edge off the part most patients are anxious about. Some mild sensitivity around the prepared tooth is normal in the days following the first appointment while the temporary is in place, but this typically resolves before the permanent restoration is seated.
How long do gold restorations last?
Gold restorations are among the longest-lasting options in restorative dentistry. With proper care, they commonly last 20 years or more, and many patients keep them for the lifetime of the tooth. Their durability is one of the primary reasons experienced clinicians like Dr. Singh continue to offer them even as newer materials have entered the market. The key factors in longevity are consistent oral hygiene, regular checkups, and avoiding habits like chewing ice or grinding teeth without a night guard.
Will a gold restoration be noticeable when I smile?
Gold inlays, onlays, and overlays are almost exclusively placed on the back teeth, molars and premolars, where they’re rarely visible during normal conversation or smiling. For most patients this is a non-issue, and the durability benefit far outweighs any aesthetic consideration for teeth that aren’t in the smile zone. If you have concerns about a specific tooth’s visibility, Dr. Singh will discuss that with you at your consultation and can recommend a tooth-colored alternative if it’s a better fit for your situation.
Are gold restorations covered by dental insurance?
Yes, inlays, onlays, and overlays are typically covered at least partially by most dental insurance plans as restorative procedures, usually at around 50% after your deductible. Coverage specifics depend on your plan, and some insurers may apply different coverage rates based on the material used. Our team will verify your benefits before your appointment and walk you through your expected out-of-pocket costs. Call us at (314) 432-0960 and we’ll sort through the details with you ahead of time.
