Gold Crowns

 

Gold has been used for a long time in dentistry, and a significant number of patients still opt for the beauty and functional stability of gold crowns on posterior teeth. Certainly, from a cosmetic standpoint, most patients would prefer not to use gold to restore a front tooth. Although, gold crowns are especially well-suited for molars in patients who clench or grind habitually, as gold is extremely gentle on opposing teeth.

 

While gold is extremely gentle on opposing dentition, it is extremely durable. All gold restorations are alloys, meaning that the gold is mixced with other metals to give it added strength. Pure gold would simply be too soft to be usable in the mouth. The best restorations are a high-noble alloy, meaning that 65% of the crown is made up of gold and other precious metals like platinum, palladium, and silver that are noted for their low reactivity with human tissue and resistance to corrosion and oxidation.

 

Another advantage that gold provides is that when a tooth is restored with a gold crown, there is less tooth width reduction and a good portion of the tooth is left untouched. Gold remains strong and durable even when it is thin, allowing for more conservative crown preparations and the preservation of healthier tooth structure. Additionally, gold works very well with glass ionomer cements, which are often far less sensitive for many patients than the bonding techniques required for full-porcelain crowns.

 

Gold alloy is very compatible with the interiors of the mouth and the chances of allergic reactions are minimal. The smoothness and purity of gold is commendable, thus these crowns are a comfortable and safe option.