One of the highlights of the month of March is celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, when many people are thinking of luck, leprechauns and finding a pot of gold at the end of a rainbow. But in dentistry, gold isn’t just a festive symbol, it has served as a trusted material for centuries. Known for its strength and durability, gold has long played an important role is restorative dentistry.

In the spirit of the holiday, it’s the perfect time to take a closer look at how this precious metal has earned its reputation as dentistry’s own “pot of gold”.

Material of choice

Gold fillings are chosen for their longevity, often lasting 15 to 30 plus years, making them the most durable option for back molars. Unlike composite and silver, gold is non-corrosive. This means it rarely causes allergic reactions and prevents further decay due to its ability to be customized and fit to perfection. Gold is resistant to oral acids, hard to crack and very compatible with gum tissue. Even the roughest bite typically won’t make it budge.

Other options such as porcelain can cause wear on surrounding teeth, but gold is malleable and wears at a similar rate to natural enamel. Therefore, despite the shift toward ceramic, gold remains the premium choice for dental projects. 

Origins

It is believed that gold crowns were once a symbol of wealth, indicating high status and prestige. The earliest evidence being that of pre-colonial Philippine societies using dental gold to symbolize social status and prosperity.

It is impossible to know who the first person to have a gold tooth was, but archaeological evidence also points to an ancient civilization in Italy, the Etruscans, who thrived throughout the 8th and 3rd centuries BCE. They’re celebrated for their sophisticated dental practices, including the use of gold bands to keep replacement teeth in place. During this time, gold crowns were probably a symbol of wealth. Dentists as we know them did not exist, so the job of restoring teeth with gold fell under a goldsmith’s line of work. These crowns were not nearly as durable as todays, so people had to rely on soft foods post-procedure.

Similarly, in ancient Roman days, gold was used to bind teeth together during dental work. The Romans valued gold not only for its functionality of course, but for its ability to signify wealth. Sure, the practical benefits were great, but romans were more excited about their smiles being a tell-tale sign of economic status!

Although not as popular in the 21^st Century, this trend continues to grow without most of us even realizing. From time-to-time, high-profile celebrities such as Kanye West and Rihanna wear gold grills as a fashion statement. This is, in a way, a continuation of the ancient practice of using gold to signify wealth and status. Although today, gold here is more of a celebrated symbol of individuality and style, reflecting the wearer’s personality and cultural heritage.

Modern times

While gold still serves as a great option for dental crowns, the concern for aesthetics has greatly grown in modern days. Rather than have a crown that draws attention, many patients are more concerned with disguising them. Alternative materials such porcelain, ceramic and composite resins are in recent high demand. While none of these materials offer the endurance of gold, they do offer a more natural appearance, which is preferred by many.

All in all, gold dental crowns have been a reliable choice for over a century. Although they’re less common today, it’s doubtful that gold crowns will ever be fully replaced by modern alternatives. In scenarios where durability and compatibility are the top priority, gold alloys still take the cake.

Engaging patients

Gold has played a fascinating role in dentistry for centuries, from ancient civilizations to its continued use today. As your dental practice celebrates St. Patrick’s Day, sharing these golden historical facts can serve as a fun and engaging way to connect with patients, whether that’s to spark conversation or educating on dental materials.

Blending a bit of dental history with modern dental knowledge can turn a fun fact into a memorable patient interaction. Highlight how far dentistry has come and reinforce trust in today’s advanced treatments!

While patients may not find a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow, they can leave the dental office with something just as valuable, a healthy and confident smile!

The bottom line: In March, gold may be associated with luck and leprechauns, but in dentistry, its value is anything but mythical. By sharing fun, historical facts about gold’s role in dental care, you can reinforce the trust your patients have in your techniques and care.