CAST GOLD RESTAURATIONS
Gold was used in dentistry in ancient times and for filling cavities in the 19th century.
Gold is suitable for dentistry because it is malleable, nearly immune to corrosion, and closely mimics the hardness of natural teeth, thereby causing no harm to natural teeth during chewing.
an Etruscan denture dated to the 7th century BC
As you may have already guessed, dental gold is not exactly the same as regular gold. Pure gold is very malleable, and is not ideal for use in the mouth, where the forces of chewing may deform the metal.
For this reason, pure (24k) gold is not used for dental crowns or other dental work. Instead, an alloy of gold and other metals is used. These alloys are useful because they can augment the strength of gold, while maintaining its unique properties, like corrosion resistance and durability.
This alloy is made from a minimum of 60% high noble metal alloys, usually including gold, palladium, and platinum. 40% of the metal content must be gold.
There are a number of great reasons that gold is still used for dental work instead of porcelain and other ceramic materials. First, gold is able to easily hold up to the force of chewing. It will not crack or chip under pressure, because the gold and other metals are flexible enough to withstand even the heaviest bite. Additionally, gold crowns and fillings do not contribute to additional wear on the opposing tooth. Gold is about the same softness as enamel, so it is a good option for patients who grind their teeth. Gold dental work is also highly resistant to oral acid, bacteria, and to corrosion, so it is one of the most long-lasting methods of dental restoration available. Gold crowns and other gold-based dental work can easily last decades with proper care, and it is not unheard of for gold restorations to last 50 years.
Although gold is expensive, it can be a permanent solution for your cavity as it can last for decades.
In my opinion it is the coolest material in the posterior.
Composite within the years is leaking restoration whit an average durability of 10-15 years.
The gold survival rates is 98% in place after 30years.
Previously, most of the patients requesting treatment were fellow dentists or technicians because they know very well how amazing a material gold is. And the number of patients is still increasing and they all say the same sentence during check-ups: it is so nice to have gold in your mouth :)
Usually, gold crowns are reserved for back teeth but if you simply admire the look of gold on your front teeth, go for it.
