Gold in medicine and dentistry
Gold crowns, gold nanoparticles in rapid tests, gold compounds once used for arthritis and gold in medical devices. How a famously inert metal became useful in health care. General education only.
Why gold suits the body
Gold is biologically inert for most people: it does not corrode, react with body fluids or break down easily. It is also easy to shape precisely. These properties have made gold useful in dentistry for centuries and in modern medical technology.
This page is general education, not medical advice. Ask a doctor or dentist about treatments for your own situation.
Gold in dentistry
Gold alloys have been used to repair teeth for a very long time. Today, dental gold is usually an alloy containing gold with metals such as palladium, platinum, silver and copper.
| Advantage | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Durability | Gold crowns and onlays can last many years |
| Gentle on opposing teeth | Wears at a rate similar to natural enamel |
| Precise fit | Can be cast to fit tightly, reducing gaps |
| Corrosion resistance | Does not tarnish in the mouth |
The main drawbacks are appearance and cost. Many people now choose tooth-colored materials such as ceramics and zirconia for visible teeth, while gold remains a choice for back teeth in some cases.
Dental gold is not pure gold. Old crowns contain a mix of metals, so their scrap value depends on the actual alloy, which can be measured by assaying.
Gold nanoparticles in rapid tests
Many lateral flow tests, such as home pregnancy tests and many rapid antigen tests, use gold nanoparticles. These are tiny particles of gold, only nanometers across, that appear red or purple rather than yellow because of how they interact with light.
In a typical test:
- The sample flows along a strip.
- Gold nanoparticles coated with antibodies bind to the target molecule if it is present.
- The particles collect at a test line, which turns visible.
The red line you see on such a test is often colored by gold. Each test contains only a minuscule amount.
Gold compounds as medicine
In the 20th century, certain gold compounds were used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, a treatment approach called chrysotherapy. Examples include injectable gold salts and an oral drug, auranofin. These treatments could help some patients but often caused side effects, and they have largely been replaced by newer drugs. Researchers continue to study gold compounds for other potential uses.
Gold in medical devices
- Electrodes and connectors in devices such as pacemakers and sensors, where corrosion resistance matters.
- Coatings on implants and stents in some designs.
- Gold markers placed near tumors to help guide radiation therapy, because gold shows up clearly on imaging.
- Wires and contacts in hearing aids and diagnostic equipment. See gold in electronics.
Research frontiers
Gold nanoparticles are studied for:
- Targeted drug delivery.
- Imaging contrast.
- Photothermal therapy, where particles absorb light and generate heat in targeted tissue.
Many of these uses are still experimental and not standard care.
Allergies and sensitivity
Pure gold rarely causes problems, but some people react to the other metals in gold alloys, especially nickel, which is used in some white gold. If jewelry irritates your skin, the alloy may be the cause. See gold colors and alloys.
Myths about gold and health
"Drinking gold flakes or wearing gold improves health." Fact: There is no good scientific evidence that eating gold or wearing gold jewelry provides health benefits. Food-grade gold leaf is inert and passes through the body. See gold leaf and gilding.
