Dental Gold
Also: Dental alloy gold, Dental restoration gold, Dental alloy
Dental gold is the gold alloy from dental restorations such as crowns and bridges — usually with a fineness between 750 and 900, often with valuable additions of platinum and palladium.
Dental gold — also dental alloy gold — refers to the precious metal alloys from which dental restorations such as crowns, bridges and inlays are made. It is one of the most common forms in which private individuals unexpectedly come into possession of precious metal: after dental treatment or from an inheritance, old dental gold ends up in a drawer and can be turned into money.
What dental gold contains
Dental alloys are specifically designed for oral compatibility and durability. The fineness usually lies between 750 and 900 (75–90 % gold). Unlike jewellery, dental gold is rarely hallmarked — the exact content can hardly be read off without analysis. What also makes dental gold valuable is that it often contains platinum and palladium, which likewise command high precious metal prices.
Why a simple estimate is difficult
Because fineness and composition vary and tooth remnants, ceramic or solder joints often still adhere, a valuation "by eye" is unreliable. The dental gold calculator provides a realistic range by assuming typical dental alloys and using the current gold price as a basis. For an initial rough orientation, the total weight on a precision scale is sufficient.
From dental gold to the payout amount
The actual payout amount depends on two things:
- The pure precious metal value (weight × fineness × daily price) — that is the melt value.
- The buyer's deduction for analysis, refining and margin.
Reputable buyers and refineries determine the fineness exactly by analysis and pay out a fair share of the material value. What is realistic in the end is shown by the purchase price calculator; the pure material value is provided by the melt value calculator.
Tax note
Unlike investment gold, dental gold enjoys no special tax privilege as an investment product. Under UK law, a private sale of scrap gold may be relevant for Capital Gains Tax on any gain above the annual exempt amount (gain = disposal proceeds minus acquisition cost); there is no German-style one-year speculation period. For larger sums it is worth consulting HMRC guidance (gov.uk). This is not tax advice.
In brief
Dental gold is valuable scrap gold with an unknown but usually high fineness — often enriched with platinum and palladium. Because the exact content is missing, an expert analysis and a calculator-supported expected value are the best way to a fair price.