Dental Gold Finds New Challenges!

Dental gold maintains its position as the second largest consumer of gold, after the electronics manufacturing. Not surprisingly, for even though seeing somebody with a "flash of light" coming from their mouth tends to shock a bit nowadays, there are very few superior techniques that can make using dental gold obsolete. Yes, not much has changed since the Etruscans used gold wires to fill in the gaps, where their own teeth were gone. Much later, in the 16 century medical book, it was recommended to use gold leaf to cover the cavities.

Why is gold so popular in dentistry? It all has to do with its favorable physical and chemical properties. As a metal, gold is resistant to corrosion, has high plasticity and acceptable presentation. Yes, what used to be a sign of wealth showing in one's mouth now is seen far less favorably. Other techniques, like ceramic and bone implants enjoy far higher following, due to their apparent esthetical superiority. One disadvantage of gold being used to make false teeth is its relative softness and tendency to wear quickly. Lately, this problem was mitigated by producing gold alloys, containing silver, platinum and copper. The result is alloy containing from 600-900 fine gold, and has much lower wear. As the price of precious metals grows, numerous attempts have been made to replace dental gold with a cheaper alternative. Not only metallic compounds containing as little gold as 30% were accepted as dental gold; the entry of palladium based materials for making crowns and bridges, reduced gold content to about 2%.

The rapid abandonment of gold for dental use was accelerated further, by limits imposed by Social Security and various health insurance funds, on covering this kind of dental work. This resulted in reduction of consumption by the dental sector, from 64 tones to 47 tones, between 1980 and 1988. Currently, the consumption has been revived to about 60 tones per year. These figures describe the world wide market for dental gold. Japan maintains its leading role as dental gold fabricator, with 27% share of the market. It is closely followed by Germany and the USA. These figures are based on official records, and do not include consumption of dental gold in some Asian and South American countries, where in many instances, dentists and dental technicians prepare their own alloy.

Where from here, for dental gold? Some dentists believe that nothing comes close to the superior properties and results, this precious metal can deliver. Dental patients seem to be divided. On one hand, ceramic implants look very attractive… until the price is quoted. On the other hand, relatively low cost and consistently good results make dental gold the first choice for many. It will remain there, unless some new, affordable techniques gain on popularity.

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