Gold

Gold fillings have the advantage of being able to be used in most areas of the mouth. They have been used for centuries. Dentists often refer to gold fillings as 'gold inlays' or 'onlays'. An inlay is small and positioned within the biting surface of the tooth. A gold onlay can cover a larger area of the tooth. Gold is long lasting and hard-wearing as a filling material and should last for many years. Also, gold has great strength and does not tarnish over time.

Your dentist will usually take an impression of the prepared cavity and send it to the lab for the technician to make the inlay or the filling. In the meantime a temporary filling will be placed in the cavity. After the gold inlay or filling has been made to the correct shape and size, your dentist will fix it in securely in place. Gold inlays and fillings are more expensive than standard ones.