White filling or gold inlay?

[Lilian]

Hi

I recently saw my dentist for a check-up appointment and he found that one my fillings needs to be replaced. The filling in question is a very old silver filling and has caused no problems but according to the dentist it has now leaked and has got decay underneath it.

He gave me the option of having a white filling or a gold inlay. I have to decide and let him know next week when he is due to carry out the treatment. Can you please let me know what the pros and cons of each option would be?

[Dr Mohsen J. Esfahani]

Hi

Thank you for your post.

White fillings are made directly in the mouth in one visit and are resin based. They are cheaper to do and look similar to tooth tissue. White fillings can however shrink after placement and this can lead to tooth sensitivity and leakage.

Gold inlays are cast made at the lab and need 2 visits. They are generally stronger than white fillings but look very different to tooth tissue. They do not have shrinkage problems as they are cemented into the cavity after they are cast. Gold inlays usually cost more than white fillings.