Cast Gold Restorations

A cast gold restoration will give you the longest and most trouble-free service of any type of dental material available today. A full gold crown can be used when a tooth has undergone significant destruction. A much smaller and conservative type of restoration, called an inlay, is used when more enamel and original tooth structure exists. Cast gold restorations have been known to last for 25 to 40 years. These restorations are not likely to break. The gold casting is held in place by a dental cement (glue). It can even be bonded.

These gold restorations are especially recommended for patients who brux (grind) or clench their teeth. They are indicated for patients who want the most trouble-free, longest-lasting type of dental restoration. They are recommended when there is moderate to extensive tooth destruction. The gold castings are then used to cover the biting surfaces and weakened areas and to prevent fracture during normal chewing. Only cast restorations can do this. A laboratory is involved in the fabrication of the gold crown or inlay. Therefore there will be two visits needed for the restoration to be completed. A temporary plastic crown or inlay will remain in place on the tooth while the final restoration is being made. The appointments will be about 2 weeks apart.

Initially, the cast gold restorations are more expensive than silver fillings. Because cast restorations do not have to be redone as frequently as silver (if at all), you end up saving time and money in the long run. The longer the gold restorations are in place, the less you eventually spend getting the same tooth restored over and over. Another potential disadvantage of cast gold is the color. They are an obvious “wedding band” yellow. If you want restorations to be the same color as your teeth, cast gold is not for you. Depending on the type of restoration you require, the gold color may be able to be disguised or hidden when you smile, but when you open your mouth, the color may be visible. If this is objectionable to you, you should consider a tooth-colored inlay, onlay, or porcelain fused to metal crown. You may be able to have the esthetics you want: gold castings for back teeth that are not easily seen and tooth-colored restorations where they might be seen.

For patients who desire the longest-lasting, most trouble-free restoration and who understand the initial investment in time and money and don’t find the display of yellow gold objectionable, this is the restoration of choice. We highly recommend this type of restoration.

If you have any questions about cast gold restorations, please feel free to ask us at

(512)250-5012.

-Omni Dental Group