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Getting an accurate value requires knowing the weight and karat of your dental gold.
Here's how to prepare.
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The formula for calculating dental gold melt value is the same as regular scrap gold:
In practice, dental gold buyers typically pay 70% to 90% of the calculated gold melt value. Specialized dental gold refiners tend to pay higher percentages than general scrap buyers because they can also recover the palladium, platinum, and silver in the alloy. This is why it pays to sell dental gold to a buyer who specializes in dental scrap rather than a general pawnshop or “cash for gold” store.
Not all gold buyers are equal when it comes to dental gold. Here's where to sell and what to expect:
Dental gold refiners (best option) — Specialized refiners pay the highest rates, typically 80–95% of melt value. They recover all precious metals in the alloy (gold, palladium, platinum, silver), not just the gold. Most accept mail-in submissions with free shipping kits and provide a detailed assay report before payment.
Online precious metal buyers — Mail-in services that buy all forms of scrap gold. Offers typically range from 70–85% of gold melt value. Convenient, but most don't pay extra for palladium or platinum content in the dental alloy.
Local jewelers — Some jewelers buy dental gold, but many prefer to avoid it because it requires specialized refining. If they do buy, expect 60–75% of melt value.
Pawnshops and “cash for gold” stores — The least favorable option. Offers are typically 40–60% of melt value. Many are not equipped to accurately test dental alloys and may undervalue your gold.
Your dentist — Some dental offices collect old dental gold and sell it in bulk to refiners. Ask your dentist if they'll give you your old crowns and bridges when they're replaced — they belong to you.
Before selling anywhere, use this calculator to know your baseline melt value. A reputable buyer should be willing to tell you the karat, weight, and percentage of melt they're offering. Walk away from anyone who won't share those numbers.
Dental gold alloys vary widely in gold content.
The karat and classification directly determine how much your dental gold is worth per gram.
Here's a reference for the most common types:
The most common dental gold in the United States is 16K (high noble), which has been the standard for full gold crowns and bridges for decades. If your dental work is yellow-colored and was placed by a US dentist, 16K is a safe assumption for estimation purposes. However, only a refiner's assay can confirm the exact composition.
Dental gold and jewelry gold are both real gold alloys, but they differ in important ways:
Higher karat on average — Most dental gold is 16K–20K, while most US jewelry is 10K–14K. Gram for gram, dental gold often contains more pure gold than everyday jewelry.
Different alloy metals — Dental alloys commonly include palladium, platinum, and silver alongside gold, chosen for biocompatibility. Jewelry alloys typically use copper, zinc, and nickel. The palladium and platinum in dental gold have their own market value.
Smaller pieces — A dental crown weighs 2–5 grams. A gold chain might weigh 20–50 grams. Individual dental pieces are smaller, but they can still be worth hundreds of dollars each.
Harder to identify — Jewelry has hallmark stamps (14K, 585, etc.). Dental gold has no stamp, so you need a refiner to test it or must rely on your dentist's records for the alloy type.
The bottom line: don't underestimate dental gold. A handful of old crowns and bridges can easily be worth $500–$2,000 or more at current gold prices.
The gold spot price is the current market price for one troy ounce of pure gold, quoted in US dollars. It changes throughout each trading day and directly determines what your dental gold is worth as scrap.
When gold prices are high, dental gold becomes significantly more valuable. A 16K crown weighing 3.5 grams is worth roughly $250 when gold is at $3,300/oz, but only about $150 when gold is at $2,000/oz. This means timing can matter — if gold prices are trending upward, it may be worth waiting. Conversely, if you need cash now, knowing the current melt value ensures you don't accept a lowball offer.
Our calculator refreshes the gold spot price daily so your estimate always reflects current market conditions. Gold is priced per troy ounce (31.1035 grams), and we handle all unit conversions automatically.
