Wondering whether gold fillings are worth considering? Over the years, gold has become a preferred choice for many, who recognise its long-lasting strength and similarity to natural tooth material. In this mini guide, we take a closer look at gold fillings to find out why this type of filling may be recommended by your dentist in Durban and surrounds. We also take a look at some of the disadvantage of this metal for dental fillings.

When to Consider Gold Fillings
Gold fillings are a good choice for a few reasons, from their longevity to their strength and ability to withstand pressure. Some of the top reasons to consider this type of filling include the following:
- Superior strength. Unlike silver amalgam, which is made of silver particles cemented by mercury, and composite tooth coloured fillings, which gradually erode, gold castings are more resilient to breakage and everyday wear and tear. Gold tooth fillings can last anything from a decade to a few decades, depending on how well the fillings are cared for over the years. This makes gold ideal for long-lasting fillings that will not break or wear easily.
- Similar structure to natural tooth. Teeth shrink with cold temperature and expand with heat. As typical temperatures within the mouth range from very cold to hot, depending on the substances we eat and drink, finding a filling material that has similar properties is essential. Gold also has the ability to shrink and expand, making it perfect for fillings.
- Reduced risk of discolouration and oxidation. Unlike silver fillings, which can oxidise and make the tooth appear darker, gold does not oxidise. In the case of a very thin tooth, the gold may show through the enamel, but this is seldom a factor to worry about as most people place this type of filling at the back of the mouth rather than the front.
With that said, despite the numerous benefits of this type filling, your dentist will not always recommend gold for your fillings. Some of the reasons that gold may not be the best choice for your fillings include the following:
- Gold is more expensive than silver or composite. If you are on a tight budget, gold may not be the most affordable choice. One of the reasons for the increased price is that fact that you require two appointments. The first appointment is to prepare the cavity, while the second is to fit the filling. This may not be as expensive as veneers or other procedures but is always a good idea to have a realistic idea of costs.
- Gold is not ideal for front teeth. Unless you are aiming for a golden toothed effect, this type of filling is not as subtle as composite tooth coloured fillings. Ideally, this filling works best for teeth at the back of the mouth, which are not as prominent as front teeth.
If you would like to know more about replacing your old fillings or getting new dental fillings made from this metal, contact our Durban dental offices today for more information on gold fillings.