Gold Inlays and Onlays: How do they protect your teeth and preserve your smile?

At Maple Dental, we believe in providing our patients with the best restorative options to ensure their smiles remain healthy and strong for years to come. When a tooth has a cavity or damage that’s too extensive for a simple filling but not severe enough to warrant a full crown, we often recommend gold inlays and onlays. These sophisticated restorations offer a fantastic blend of durability, precision, and longevity, making them a premium choice for preserving your natural tooth structure.

We understand you might have heard of fillings and crowns, but perhaps inlays and onlays are new terms. Think of them as a middle-ground solution, custom-made to fit perfectly into or onto your tooth. They are an excellent way to restore teeth that have experienced moderate decay or damage, providing superior protection compared to traditional fillings while being less invasive than a full crown.

What are Gold Inlays and Onlays?

Let’s break down exactly what these restorations are and how they differ:

1. Gold Inlays

An inlay is similar to a traditional filling in that it fits inside the cusp (the raised points) of your tooth. However, unlike a direct filling that is molded into place during your visit, an inlay is a custom-made, solid piece that is fabricated in a dental laboratory. Once complete, we bond it securely into the prepared area of your tooth. Gold inlays are particularly suited for restoring cavities on the chewing surfaces between the cusps.

2. Gold Onlays (Partial Crowns)

An onlay is a bit more extensive than an inlay. It still fits inside the tooth but also extends over one or more cusps of the tooth, hence why they are sometimes called “partial crowns.” An onlay is used when the damage is more significant, affecting one or more of the tooth’s biting surfaces. By covering the cusps, an onlay provides crucial support and protection to the weakened areas, preventing further damage or fracture.

Both gold inlays and onlays are renowned for their exceptional strength and precise fit, offering a long-lasting solution for damaged teeth.

Why gold? The unmatched benefits of gold restorations

You might wonder why we still use gold in modern dentistry when other materials like porcelain are available. The truth is, gold offers a unique set of advantages that make it an unparalleled choice for certain restorations:

• Exceptional durability and longevity: Gold is incredibly strong and resistant to wear and tear. It can withstand the intense chewing forces in your mouth for decades, often outlasting other restorative materials. This means fewer replacements and a more stable restoration over time.
• Biocompatibility: Gold is highly biocompatible, meaning it is well-tolerated by the body and rarely causes allergic reactions. It’s gentle on surrounding gum tissues and doesn’t corrode.
• Precise fit: Gold can be cast with incredible precision, allowing us to create restorations that fit your tooth almost perfectly. This exact fit minimizes gaps where bacteria could otherwise accumulate, reducing the risk of secondary decay.
• Gentle on opposing teeth: Unlike some harder materials, gold has a similar wear rate to natural tooth enamel. This means it won’t excessively wear down the opposing teeth it comes into contact with, preserving your overall bite.
• Minimal tooth removal: Because gold is so strong, it doesn’t require us to remove as much healthy tooth structure as other materials might for an equally durable restoration. This helps preserve more of your natural tooth.

While gold might be noticeable, its benefits often outweigh aesthetic concerns, especially for back molars where visibility is less of an issue. For those seeking a dentist in Hesperia, CA, who prioritizes long-term tooth health, gold inlays and onlays represent a gold standard (pun intended!) in restorative dentistry.

The process of getting gold inlays and onlays

If you’re considering gold inlays or onlays, you might be curious about the process involved. Here’s what you can expect when you come in for treatment at Maple Dental:

1. Initial Consultation

We’ll start with a thorough examination of your teeth to determine if gold inlays or onlays are the best option for you. If you have cavities or significant tooth damage, these restorations can be an ideal solution. We may also take X-rays to assess the condition of your tooth and its surrounding structures.

2. Preparation

Once we’ve confirmed that gold inlays or onlays are appropriate for your needs, we’ll carefully prepare the tooth by removing any decayed or damaged tissue. Then, we’ll take detailed impressions of the tooth to ensure a custom fit for your restoration.

3. Fabrication

Your impressions are sent to a dental laboratory, where your gold inlay or onlay is crafted to fit precisely. This usually takes about 1-2 weeks.

4. Placement

When your gold restoration is ready, you’ll return to our office. We’ll carefully place the inlay or onlay onto your tooth and make any necessary adjustments to ensure it fits perfectly. After that, we’ll bond it in place using dental cement.

5. Follow-Up Care

After your restoration is placed, we’ll monitor its condition during your regular checkups. With proper care, your gold inlays or onlays can last many years, keeping your smile intact and functional.

Protecting your smile for the long term

Choosing gold inlays or onlays is an investment in the long-term health and stability of your smile. By restoring the compromised tooth with such a durable and precisely fitted material, we help:

• Prevent further decay: The tight seal prevents bacteria from re-entering the tooth.
• Strengthen the tooth: Onlays, in particular, protect weak cusps from fracture.
• Maintain your natural bite: A well-fitted restoration ensures your chewing forces are distributed evenly.

We are committed to helping you make informed decisions about your dental health. If you have a tooth that requires more than a simple filling but less than a full crown, we encourage you to discuss whether a gold inlay or onlay is the right choice for you.

Ready to learn more?

If you have questions about gold inlays and onlays or any other restorative dental options, get in touch with Maple Dental today and let us help you get back to a healthy, confident smile.

Call us today at 760-949-7274 to schedule your consultation.