About Gold dental crowns

Gold crowns in dentistry are typically made from an alloy of gold mixed with other metals to enhance strength and durability. The process of making and placing a gold dental crown involves several steps:

1. Type of Gold Used:

- Dental gold alloys usually contain a mixture of gold, copper, and other metals like silver, platinum, palladium, or zinc.

- The gold content in dental alloys can vary. High noble alloys (which have a high gold content) typically contain at least 60% gold and other noble metals (platinum, palladium), with gold comprising at least 40% of the total metal content.

2. Initial Dental Visit - Tooth Preparation:

- The dentist reshapes the tooth receiving the crown. This involves removing any decay and reshaping the tooth for the crown to fit.

- An impression of the prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth is taken. This can be done with traditional dental putty or digitally.

3. Impression and scan Creation:

- An impression and scan is used to create a precise imprint for the crown. The imprint ensures that the crown fits perfectly with the bite and adjacent teeth.

4. Temporary Crown:

- A temporary crown is often placed to protect the prepared tooth while the permanent crown is being made.

5. Fabrication of the Gold Crown:

- The dental laboratory uses the mold to cast the gold crown. The gold alloy is melted and poured into the mold, then allowed to cool and harden.

- After the crown is removed from the mold, it's polished and adjusted for fit and bite.

6. Second Dental Visit - Fitting the Crown:

- Once the gold crown is ready, you'll return to the dentist for a fitting.

- The dentist checks the fit of the crown, making sure it's comfortable and aligns correctly with your bite.

- Adjustments are made as necessary to ensure a proper fit.

7. Cementing the Crown:

- Once the fit is verified, the crown is cemented onto your prepared tooth.

Gold crowns are known for their durability, biocompatibility, and less wear on opposing teeth compared to other materials. They are particularly suitable for back teeth where the crown won't be highly visible. While gold crowns are not as common today due to aesthetic preferences for tooth-colored materials, they remain a good option for certain clinical situations.