Dental Gold Value Calculator: Complete Guide to Selling Your Dental Gold in 2025

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Do you have old gold dental work sitting in a drawer? Whether it’s a removed crown, bridge, or filling, that piece of dental gold could be worth more than you think. With gold prices reaching historic highs in 2025, now is the perfect time to understand the value of your dental gold and turn it into cash.

This comprehensive guide will help you calculate your dental gold value, understand what affects its worth, and discover the best places to sell it for maximum profit.

What Is Dental Gold and Why Is It Valuable?

Dental gold is a specialized alloy used in dentistry for crowns, bridges, fillings, and other restorations. Unlike jewelry, dental gold is designed for durability and biocompatibility, making it perfect for long-term use in your mouth.

What makes dental gold particularly valuable is its high gold content. Most dental alloys contain between 40% and 85% pure gold, with quality restorations typically using 16K to 20K gold. This means your old crown or bridge isn’t just plated gold but contains substantial amounts of the precious metal.

The value of dental gold comes from several factors. First, gold itself is a precious metal that maintains value over time and serves as a hedge against economic uncertainty. Second, dental gold often contains other precious metals like platinum, palladium, and silver, which add to its overall worth. Finally, unlike jewelry that may have sentimental value, removed dental gold is purely functional scrap that can be easily recycled.

Since the 1990s, approximately 40 tons of gold have been used annually for dental work in the United States alone. Much of this gold remains in people’s mouths or stored away, representing billions of dollars in hidden value. With gold prices surging to over $4,100 per ounce in late 2025, dental gold has become increasingly valuable.

How Much Is Dental Gold Worth Per Gram?

The worth of dental gold per gram depends on several key factors, but as of November 2025, high-quality 18K dental gold is worth approximately $100-101 per gram based on current market prices.

To understand dental gold pricing, you need to know that pure 24K gold is trading at around $134 per gram. However, dental gold is never pure. It’s an alloy mixed with other metals for strength and durability. Here’s how different karat values translate to worth:

24K Gold (100% pure): $134.48 per gram – Rarely used in dentistry except for gold foil fillings

22K Gold (91.7% pure): $123.32 per gram – Occasionally used for high-end restorations

18K Gold (75% pure): $100.86 per gram – Most common for quality crowns and bridges

16K Gold (66.7% pure): $89.70 per gram – Standard for many dental restorations

14K Gold (58.3% pure): $78.40 per gram – Lower-quality dental work

10K Gold (41.7% pure): $56.08 per gram – Budget dental restorations

The challenge with dental gold is that it’s rarely marked with its karat value. Unlike jewelry, which typically has a stamp, dental gold requires testing to determine exact purity. Most reputable buyers use X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis or fire assay to determine the precise composition.

It’s also important to note that you won’t receive 100% of the market value when selling dental gold. Buyers need to refine the gold, which involves costs. Pawn shops typically pay 40-70% of melt value, while specialized dental gold refineries pay 70-95% of the spot price.

How to Calculate Dental Gold Value

Calculating the value of your dental gold involves a straightforward process, but you need accurate information about weight and purity. Here’s the step-by-step method:

Step 1: Determine the Weight

First, you need to weigh your dental gold. Use a digital jewelry scale that measures in grams for best accuracy. If your dental gold has porcelain, tooth fragments, or other non-gold materials attached, try to remove these first. The calculation should only include the metal weight.

Common weight ranges for dental gold items:

• Single crown: 2-5 grams
• Bridge (3-unit): 6-15 grams
• Inlay or onlay: 1-3 grams
• Partial denture: 5-10+ grams
• Gold filling: Less than 1 gram

Step 2: Identify the Karat

If you don’t know the exact karat, use these guidelines:

• Yellow gold crowns: Usually 16K-18K
• High-quality restorations: 18K-20K
• Older dental work (pre-1980s): Often 18K-22K
• Budget restorations: 10K-14K

When in doubt, assume 16K for a conservative estimate.

Step 3: Calculate Pure Gold Content

Multiply the total weight by the purity percentage:

• 18K gold = 75% pure, so 3 grams × 0.75 = 2.25 grams pure gold
• 16K gold = 66.7% pure, so 3 grams × 0.667 = 2.00 grams pure gold

Step 4: Calculate Market Value

Multiply the pure gold content by the current 24K gold price per gram:

• 2.25 grams × $134.48 = $302.58 market value

Step 5: Estimate Selling Price

Apply the buyer’s percentage:

• Pawn shop (60% average): $302.58 × 0.60 = $181.55
• Specialist refinery (85% average): $302.58 × 0.85 = $257.19

Our dental gold value calculator above automates this entire process, giving you instant estimates for market value, pawn shop offers, and specialist refinery prices.

How Much Is a Gold Crown Worth?

A typical gold crown is worth between $80 and $250, depending on its weight, purity, and where you sell it. However, values can vary significantly based on several factors.

The average gold crown weighs approximately 2-5 grams and is made of 16K to 18K gold. Using current market prices, here’s what you can expect:

Conservative Estimate (2g, 16K):

• Pure gold content: 1.33 grams
• Market value: $178.86
• Pawn shop offer: $89-125
• Specialist offer: $143-170

Average Estimate (3.5g, 18K):

• Pure gold content: 2.63 grams
• Market value: $353.68
• Pawn shop offer: $177-248
• Specialist offer: $283-336

High-End Estimate (5g, 20K):

• Pure gold content: 4.17 grams
• Market value: $560.78
• Pawn shop offer: $280-393
• Specialist offer: $449-533

Several factors influence a gold crown’s worth. Older crowns from before the 1980s typically contain more gold because gold was more affordable then. High-quality crowns made by premium dental labs often use 18K-20K gold for better aesthetics and longevity. The presence of other precious metals like platinum or palladium can increase value beyond just the gold content.

Porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns present a special case. These have porcelain on the outside and metal underneath. The porcelain adds no value and must be removed before accurate weighing. However, the metal underneath can still be valuable if it contains gold or other precious metals.

One important consideration is that extracted crowns may have tooth fragments, adhesive, or other non-precious materials attached. These should be removed before selling, as buyers will either deduct for them or require you to clean the crown first. Some buyers accept “dirty” dental gold but pay less for it.

Where to Sell Dental Gold for the Best Price

Choosing where to sell your dental gold dramatically affects how much money you receive. Different buyers offer vastly different rates, and understanding your options helps maximize your return.

Precious Metal Refineries – Best Option

Refineries that specialize in dental gold typically offer the highest payouts, ranging from 70-95% of the spot gold price. These companies have in-house laboratories that perform precise assays to determine exact metal content. They pay for all precious metals in your dental gold, not just the visible gold.

Top refineries like Garfield Refining, Core Scientific, and Cash for Dental Scrap have been voted best in the industry. They provide free shipping kits, insured transit, detailed assay reports, and payment within 24-48 hours of receiving your material. Many offer online portals where you can track your shipment and see photos of your materials.

The main advantage of refineries is transparency. They use advanced testing equipment and provide detailed breakdowns of gold, platinum, palladium, and silver content. There are no middlemen taking cuts, which means more money in your pocket.

Online Gold Buyers – Good Option

Reputable online buyers like Express Gold Cash and reDollar offer competitive rates, typically 60-85% of spot price. They provide free shipping kits with pre-paid labels and insurance. The process is simple: request a kit, mail your dental gold, receive an offer, and get paid via check or bank transfer.

The convenience factor makes online buyers attractive. You don’t have to leave home, and the entire transaction can be completed in 3-5 days. However, verify the company’s reputation through BBB ratings and customer reviews before sending your materials.

Local Jewelers and Coin Shops – Fair Option

Established local businesses may offer 50-70% of spot price. The advantage here is immediate payment and face-to-face transactions. You can watch them test and weigh your gold, and walk out with cash the same day.

However, local buyers have higher overhead costs (rent, utilities, staff) and need larger profit margins. They may also lack specialized equipment for testing dental alloys, potentially undervaluing items that contain platinum or palladium.

Pawn Shops – Last Resort

Pawn shops typically offer the lowest prices, usually 30-50% of melt value. They’re primarily lenders, not precious metal specialists. They often use quick visual assessments or basic acid tests, missing other valuable metals in your dental gold.

Only consider pawn shops if you need immediate cash and can’t wait for better offers. Even then, get multiple quotes and be prepared to negotiate.

Places to Avoid

Stay away from mall kiosks, “cash for gold” events at hotels, and unlicensed buyers. These operations often pay pennies on the dollar and use high-pressure tactics. Similarly, be cautious of buyers who won’t show you how they test or weigh your materials.

The best strategy is to get quotes from at least three different buyers. Most reputable refineries will give you a free estimate based on your description, helping you make an informed decision.

How Much Gold Is in a Dental Crown?

A dental crown typically contains 1.3 to 3.75 grams of pure gold, depending on the crown’s total weight and karat rating. Understanding this helps you set realistic expectations for value.

Let’s break down the math. A standard gold crown weighs between 2-5 grams total. However, this weight includes not just gold but also other metals mixed in the alloy. The pure gold content depends on the karat:

Example 1: 3-gram Crown at 16K

• Total weight: 3.0 grams
• Gold purity: 66.7%
• Pure gold content: 2.0 grams
• Current value: $268.96

Example 2: 3-gram Crown at 18K

• Total weight: 3.0 grams
• Gold purity: 75%
• Pure gold content: 2.25 grams
• Current value: $302.58

Example 3: 4-gram Crown at 20K

• Total weight: 4.0 grams
• Gold purity: 83.3%
• Pure gold content: 3.33 grams
• Current value: $447.82

The other metals in dental gold alloys serve important purposes. Silver adds workability and contributes to the crown’s color. Copper increases hardness and durability. Platinum and palladium improve corrosion resistance and biocompatibility. These additional precious metals add value beyond just the gold content.

Dental laboratories use different alloy formulas based on the application. High-noble alloys contain at least 60% precious metals with a minimum 40% gold. These are used for premium restorations and deliver the best aesthetic results. Noble alloys contain at least 25% precious metals and are more economical. Base metal alloys contain little to no precious metals and have minimal scrap value.

The age of your crown affects gold content. Crowns made before the 1980s generally contain more gold because prices were lower then. As gold prices increased through the 1990s and 2000s, dentists began using lower-gold alloys and alternative materials like zirconia and ceramic to control costs.

Geographic location also plays a role. Dental practices in affluent areas or those specializing in high-end cosmetic dentistry are more likely to use 18K-20K gold. Budget-focused practices may use 10K-14K gold or non-precious metals.

What Karat Is Dental Gold?

Dental gold typically ranges from 10K to 22K, with 16K and 18K being the most common purities used in modern dental restorations. The karat system measures gold purity, with 24K representing pure gold.

Common Dental Gold Karats:

10K Dental Gold (41.7% pure) – This is the minimum karat that can legally be called “gold” in the United States. It’s used in budget dental restorations and has the lowest scrap value. The alloy is very hard but lacks the rich gold color of higher karats.

14K Dental Gold (58.3% pure) – A mid-range option that balances cost and quality. It’s more durable than higher karats and suitable for functional restorations. Common in dental work from the 1990s onward as gold prices increased.

16K Dental Gold (66.7% pure) – One of the most common purities for dental crowns and bridges. It offers good durability, excellent biocompatibility, and sufficient gold content for quality restorations. This is often the “standard” for dental gold.

18K Dental Gold (75% pure) – The premium choice for dental restorations. It provides the best aesthetic appearance with its rich yellow color, excellent malleability for precise fitting, and superior biocompatibility. Many high-end dental labs prefer 18K for visible restorations.

20K Dental Gold (83.3% pure) – Used in specialized applications like inlays and onlays where maximum biocompatibility is desired. Less common than 16K-18K but valuable when found.

22K Dental Gold (91.7% pure) – Rare in modern dentistry due to softness but sometimes used in gold foil fillings or by dentists who prioritize biocompatibility over durability.

24K Dental Gold (100% pure) – Almost never used for crowns or bridges because pure gold is too soft. However, it was traditionally used for gold foil fillings, which are now uncommon.

The karat selection depends on several factors. Location in the mouth matters – molars that bear heavy chewing forces often use lower karats for greater strength, while front teeth may use higher karats for better appearance. Patient allergies and sensitivities may require higher-karat gold with fewer alloy metals. Cost considerations influence the choice, with higher karats costing more initially but offering better resale value.

If you’re unsure of your dental gold’s karat, look for patterns in color. High-karat gold (18K-22K) has a deep, rich yellow color. Medium-karat gold (14K-16K) appears lighter yellow. Low-karat gold (10K) may look pale or even slightly greenish. White gold dental alloys may contain significant platinum or palladium alongside gold.

Professional testing is the only way to know for certain. Reputable buyers use XRF analyzers that can determine exact composition without damaging the material.

Types of Dental Gold: Crowns, Bridges, Fillings, and More

Dental gold appears in various forms, each with different values and characteristics. Understanding the different types helps you estimate what you have and its potential worth.

Gold Crowns

Gold crowns are caps that cover damaged or decayed teeth. They’re one of the most common types of dental gold and typically weigh 2-5 grams. Most gold crowns are 16K-18K purity. Full gold crowns have gold on all surfaces, while porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crowns have porcelain on the visible side and gold underneath.

Value: $80-250 per crown depending on size and purity. The average 3-gram 18K crown is worth approximately $200-225 at current prices.

Gold Bridges

Bridges replace missing teeth by attaching to adjacent teeth. A 3-unit bridge (two anchors and one pontic) typically weighs 6-15 grams and uses 16K-20K gold. Multi-unit bridges can weigh significantly more and contain substantial gold content.

Value: $250-650 for typical bridges, with large bridges potentially worth $1,000+. A 10-gram 18K bridge could be worth $800-950.

Gold Inlays and Onlays

These are partial coverage restorations that fill cavities or replace portions of teeth. Inlays fit inside the tooth cusps, while onlays cover one or more cusps. They typically weigh 1-3 grams and often use 18K-20K gold for precise fitting.

Value: $50-200 depending on size. These smaller restorations still contain significant value due to high purity.

Gold Fillings (Gold Foil)

Traditional gold foil fillings use nearly pure gold (22K-24K) but weigh less than 1 gram. They’re rarely done anymore due to cost and technique difficulty. If you have gold foil fillings, they’re likely from several decades ago.

Value: $30-80 per filling. While small, the high purity makes them valuable.

Gold Posts and Cores

These provide structural support for crowns on teeth that have had root canals. They’re placed inside the tooth root to anchor the crown. Posts typically weigh 1-2 grams and are 16K-18K gold.

Value: $50-150. Often overlooked but can add up if you have multiple.

Gold Partial Dentures

Removable partial dentures often use gold frameworks to support artificial teeth. These can weigh 5-10 grams or more and typically use 16K-18K gold. The framework provides strength and durability.

Value: $300-800+. Large partials with substantial gold content can be quite valuable.

Gold Grills and Grillz

While not traditional dental restorations, gold grills are decorative covers for teeth. They can be any karat (typically 10K-18K) and weight varies widely based on how many teeth are covered. A 6-tooth grill weighs approximately 6 grams.

Value: Highly variable, from $200-2,000+ depending on size and purity.

White Gold Dental Alloys

Not all dental gold is yellow. White gold alloys contain significant amounts of platinum or palladium, giving them a silver color. These can be more valuable than yellow gold due to the platinum and palladium content, which are often more expensive than gold.

Value: Requires professional testing, but can exceed yellow gold value significantly if platinum content is high.

When evaluating your dental gold, remember that you own any dental work removed from your mouth. Dentists are generally required to return extracted materials to patients upon request. Always ask to keep removed crowns, bridges, or other restorations.

Best Time to Sell Dental Gold

The best time to sell dental gold is when gold prices are high and you have no further use for the dental work. As of late 2025, we’re in an excellent period for selling, with gold prices near historic highs.

Gold reached $4,371 per ounce in October 2025, and while it has pulled back slightly, prices remain elevated compared to historical averages. Current prices around $4,100-4,200 per ounce represent an excellent selling opportunity. For perspective, gold was under $2,000 per ounce just three years ago.

Factors Making Now a Good Time:

Economic uncertainty continues to drive gold prices higher. Concerns about inflation, geopolitical tensions, and currency stability push investors toward gold as a safe haven. Central bank purchases of gold remain strong, supporting prices. The Federal Reserve’s interest rate policies affect gold prices inversely – when rates fall or remain stable, gold typically performs well.

Market Timing Considerations:

Gold prices fluctuate daily based on global markets. They typically follow these patterns:

• Gold often peaks during economic crises or major geopolitical events
• Seasonal patterns show slight increases in September-December
• Daily prices update every few seconds during market hours
• Weekend and holiday prices remain static

However, trying to perfectly time the market is difficult and often counterproductive. Price movements of $50-100 per ounce are common and represent small percentages of value for typical dental gold amounts.

Personal Timing Factors:

Beyond market prices, consider these personal factors:

Immediate need versus patience – If you need cash urgently, current prices are strong enough to sell without regret. Waiting for potentially higher prices may take months or years.

Storage and security – Dental gold sitting in a drawer isn’t earning interest or providing value. Converting it to cash lets you invest or use the money productively.

Market access – If you’re researching and ready to sell, the effort invested in understanding the process is worth more than waiting for marginally higher prices.

Tax considerations – In the US, gold sales may be subject to capital gains tax if you profit significantly. Consult a tax professional if dealing with large amounts.

When NOT to Sell:

Avoid selling during major gold price crashes, though these are typically followed by recoveries. Don’t rush to sell at the first offer – get multiple quotes. Never sell to high-pressure buyers who demand immediate decisions.

If you’re uncertain, get a free appraisal from reputable buyers. Many will hold offers for 24-48 hours, giving you time to compare without commitment. This removes pressure while securing a guaranteed price.

The bottom line: With gold at historically high prices in 2025, now represents an excellent opportunity to sell dental gold you no longer need. The difference between selling today versus waiting months for potentially higher prices is usually small, while the benefit of having cash now is immediate.

How to Prepare Dental Gold for Selling

Proper preparation maximizes the value you receive for your dental gold and ensures smooth transactions with buyers. Follow these steps for best results.

Step 1: Remove Non-Gold Materials

If possible, remove porcelain, tooth fragments, and adhesive materials before selling. Use these methods carefully:

• Porcelain can be gently broken off with pliers (wear safety glasses)
• Tooth fragments often detach with light pressure
• Adhesive residue can be scraped away
• Leave metal intact – don’t cut or damage the gold

However, many specialized dental gold buyers accept “dirty” gold and remove non-precious materials themselves. If you’re uncomfortable cleaning, send it as-is to a buyer who accepts uncleaned material.

Step 2: Separate by Type

Organize your dental gold by apparent type:

• Yellow gold (likely higher karat)
• White gold (contains platinum or palladium)
• Unsure/mixed
• Attached to other materials

This helps buyers process your materials more efficiently and may result in faster payment.

Step 3: Weigh Your Materials

Use a digital jewelry scale for accurate weight. Weigh each piece separately and record the weights. This gives you a baseline for estimating value and verifying buyer assessments.

If you don’t have a scale, many buyers will provide estimates based on typical weights. Scales are available online for $15-30 and are worth the investment if you have multiple pieces.

Step 4: Document Everything

Take clear photos of all items from multiple angles. Record weights, estimated types, and any identifying information. Keep copies of all correspondence with buyers. This documentation protects you and provides records for tax purposes if needed.

Step 5: Choose Your Buyer

Research multiple buyers and request quotes. Compare offered percentages of spot price, not just dollar amounts (since gold prices fluctuate). Check Better Business Bureau ratings and customer reviews. Verify the company has been in business for several years.

Step 6: Shipping Preparation

Most mail-in buyers provide free shipping kits with:

• Padded envelope or box
• Pre-paid shipping label with tracking
• Insurance (typically $5,000-25,000)
• Instructions

If you’re arranging your own shipping:

• Use a sturdy box or envelope
• Wrap items in bubble wrap or soft cloth
• Seal securely with packing tape
• Purchase shipping insurance
• Require signature confirmation
• Keep tracking numbers

Step 7: Understand the Timeline

Typical process timeline:

• Day 1-2: Buyer receives your shipment
• Day 2-3: Testing and appraisal completed
• Day 3-4: Offer presented to you
• Day 4-5: Payment processed if accepted
• Total: 4-7 business days from shipping to payment

Important Safety Tips:

Never send dental gold via regular uninsured mail – always use tracking and insurance. Don’t announce on social media that you’re selling gold. Keep copies of all documentation and tracking numbers. If selling locally, meet in public places or at the buyer’s established business location.

Research the buyer’s return policy. Reputable companies allow you to decline offers and return materials free of charge. If a buyer won’t return rejected materials, don’t send them anything.

Be wary of buyers who pressure you to decide immediately or claim their offer expires quickly. Legitimate buyers typically hold offers for 24-48 hours, giving you time to compare.

Tax Considerations:

In the United States, selling dental gold may be reportable income. If you sell more than $1,000 worth of precious metals to a single dealer, they may file Form 1099-B with the IRS. Keep records of what you paid for the dental work originally (if you have them) to calculate actual gain or loss. Consult a tax professional if dealing with significant amounts.

Dental gold you received as medical treatment decades ago likely cost far less than current value, potentially creating a capital gain. However, for most people selling one or two crowns, tax implications are minimal.

Final Checklist Before Sending:

✓ Weighed and documented all items
✓ Researched buyer reputation
✓ Received and agreed to offer or terms
✓ Properly packaged materials
✓ Arranged insured, tracked shipping
✓ Kept copies of all documentation
✓ Understood timeline and return policy

Following these preparation steps ensures you receive fair value for your dental gold and enjoy a smooth, secure transaction.

Common Questions About Dental Gold Value

Can dentists keep your gold crown?

No, dentists cannot keep your gold crown without your permission. You are the legal owner of any dental work removed from your mouth. Dentists are required to return extracted materials to patients upon request. Always ask your dentist to save removed crowns, bridges, or fillings for you. Some dentists may have agreements to purchase dental scrap from patients, but this is voluntary and you’re free to decline and keep the materials.

Does dental insurance cover the cost of gold crowns?

Most dental insurance plans cover a portion of crown costs, typically 40-50% after deductibles, regardless of material. However, if gold crowns cost more than alternative materials like ceramic or porcelain, you may be responsible for the price difference. Insurance usually pays based on the cost of the least expensive acceptable treatment. Check your specific plan details, as coverage varies widely.

Is white gold dental work valuable?

Yes, white gold dental work can be very valuable, sometimes more so than yellow gold. White dental gold alloys contain significant amounts of platinum and/or palladium along with gold. These platinum-group metals are often more expensive than gold. Professional testing is required to determine exact composition, but white gold dental work should never be discarded as worthless.

How can I test my dental gold at home?

Home testing is difficult and potentially inaccurate for dental gold. Unlike jewelry, dental gold lacks karat stamps. Magnet tests only tell you if base metals are present (gold isn’t magnetic). Acid testing requires purchasing test acids and can damage your gold. For accurate results, use a professional buyer with XRF analysis equipment that determines exact composition without damage.

Do I need to clean my dental gold before selling?

Not necessarily. Many specialized dental gold buyers accept “dirty” gold with tooth fragments, porcelain, or adhesive attached. They have equipment to separate precious metals from other materials. However, some buyers pay less for uncleaned material. If you can safely remove non-gold materials, it may increase your payout slightly. Never damage the metal itself during cleaning.

What happens to dental gold after I sell it?

After sale, your dental gold goes through a refining process. It’s melted down, and precious metals are separated using chemical and thermal processes. The pure gold, platinum, palladium, and silver are recovered at high purity levels (99.9%+). These refined metals are then sold to manufacturers who create new jewelry, electronics, dental materials, or industrial products. Dental gold recycling is environmentally friendly and conserves natural resources.

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Conclusion

Understanding your dental gold’s value empowers you to make informed selling decisions. With gold prices at historic highs in 2025, now is an excellent time to convert old dental work into cash.

Use our dental gold value calculator above to get instant estimates based on current market prices. Remember that actual offers vary by buyer, so always get multiple quotes before selling. Choose reputable refineries that specialize in dental gold for the best payouts, typically 70-95% of spot price.

Your old crown or bridge sitting in a drawer could be worth $100-500 or more. Don’t let valuable dental gold go to waste – calculate its value today and turn it into money you can use.

Ready to sell? Research top-rated dental gold buyers, request free appraisal kits, and compare offers. With proper preparation and the right buyer, you’ll maximize your return on dental gold you no longer need.