Dental crowns are used for a number of reasons. Your dentist may recommend one due to loss of tooth structure orroot canaltreatment. You might also choose one for cosmetic improvement of your smile.
There are many different types of crowns used to restore a tooth. Among those are gold crowns, which have been used in dentistry for a number of years.
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Materials
In dentistry, there are different categories of crowns, including all-metal, all-porcelain, porcelain-fused-to metal (PFM), zirconia, and ceramic.
Gold crowns are a type of metal crowns. There is the option for a full gold crown made entirely of gold or a gold alloy. A gold crown may also come as a PFM, which is made from a combination of gold and porcelain.
Three types of alloy are used for fabricating gold crowns:
Benefits
There are many reasons why your dentist may recommend a gold crown. For instance, gold crowns are able to withstand heavy forces from chewing and may be recommended if you exhibit heavy wear patterns on your teeth.
Additionally, these crowns are less susceptible to chipping or breaking, making them a long-lasting dental restoration. If a tooth with a gold crown breaks, it is generally because the underlying tooth structure has fractured or decayed.However, gold crowns may become loose, especially if you are eating foods and candy that areharmful to crowns and bridges.
Gold crowns also cause the least wear on the opposing tooth. For patients that grind their teeth or who have a heavy bite, a gold crown will typically cause the same amount of wear on the teeth, compared to the tooth’s naturalenamel.
Allergies
If you have a metal allergy, such as a nickel allergy, make sure to tell your dentist before a gold crown is fabricated. A high noble alloy that contains no nickel or other common metals that cause allergic reactions should be used carefully in these cases.
Cost
Many dentists have a specific base price for all of the crowns they offer their patients. However, because gold is very expensive, a gold crown may cost more than a porcelain crown. The increased cost is generally reflected in the laboratory charge, not your dentist’s fee.
The Pros and Cons of Gold CrownsProsProvides a tight sealResistant to corrosion and fractureRequires minimal prep (less enamel removal)Has high level of compatibility with gum tissueConsLess natural lookingCostMay increase sensitivity to temperature changes in the mouth
The Pros and Cons of Gold Crowns
ProsProvides a tight sealResistant to corrosion and fractureRequires minimal prep (less enamel removal)Has high level of compatibility with gum tissue
Provides a tight seal
Resistant to corrosion and fracture
Requires minimal prep (less enamel removal)
Has high level of compatibility with gum tissue
ConsLess natural lookingCostMay increase sensitivity to temperature changes in the mouth
Less natural looking
May increase sensitivity to temperature changes in the mouth
A Word From Verywell
Gold crowns are an excellent choice for patients who are not necessarily concerned about having an entirely white smile. Gold crowns are, in fact, an attractive restoration and offer long life. If you require a crown, speak to your dentist about the different crown options that are available.
5 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Makhija SK, Lawson NC, Gilbert GH, et al.Dentist material selection for single-unit crowns: findings from the national dental practice-based research network.Journal of Dentistry. 2016;55:40-47. doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2016.09.010
American Dental Association.Materials for indirect restorations.
Oleszek-Listopad J, Sarna-Bos K, Szabelska A, Czelej-Piszcz E, Borowicz J, Szymanska J.The use of gold and gold alloys in prosthetic dentistry – a literature review.Current Issues in Pharmacy and Medical Sciences. 2015;28(3):192-195. doi:10.1515/cipms-2015-0070
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