Full Metal Cast Gold Restorations – Gold Material A “full metal cast gold restoration” is simply a dental crown – a cap protecting a damaged tooth or implant, made of all gold, usually 18 or 24 karat. Gold is still considered by many to be the best choice for a full metal restoration. As a member and the Secretary of the R.V. Tucker Cast Gold Study Club of Orange County, Dr. Andrew Spath is extremely knowledgeable about gold restorations. Gold, like any other material or technology, is only as effective as the skill of the doctor utilizing it. Gold is a natural element mined from veins, nuggets, or grains in rock. It has a range of natural qualities which make it an ideal choice for dental restoration:
- Gold is malleable. It can be pressed into the precise shape of a tooth without cracking or breaking, making it a “conservative” restoration because it requires minimal reshaping (damage to the natural tooth structure).
- Gold is ductile. That means it is pliable rather than brittle. It can be molded into something different than its natural shape (such as a dental crown) without losing its toughness.
- Gold is dense, its molecules are held together closely; another characteristic that gives it strength and durability.
- Gold has a natural, attractive luster and shine that won’t oxidize (get dark or dull) in air or water.
- Gold is one of the least reactive known chemical elements. So, it doesn’t change when exposed to other substances in the mouth.
- Gold resists attack by acids. Your mouth is full of acids.
- Gold is biocompatible; the body accepts it readily and most people are not allergic.
- Gold has a property called “metal shear,” which gives it the ability to flex under bite pressure in a manner almost identical to natural dental enamel.
This makes it gentle to the tooth which bites against the gold crown. Restoration made of material more brittle than natural enamel cause unusual wear to the opposing tooth. You’ll enjoy the value and beauty of a gold dental restoration for years to come.
