Why has gold been used in dental fillings and crowns?

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A diagram showing the periodic table entry for gold, with the symbol Au, atomic number 79, atomic weight 196.96657, electron configuration, and labels for its properties as a solid transition metal with a face-centered cubic crystal structure. — gold The precious metal gold is a chemical element with the symbol Au. Its square on the periodic table details some of its properties, including its atomic weight, atomic number, and crystal structure.

Gold has long been used for dental fillings, crowns, and bridges primarily due to its chemical stability and resistance to corrosion. Because it is one of the least chemically reactive elements, it does not tarnish or corrode within the oral environment.12

While pure gold is too soft for many structural applications, it is typically alloyed with other metals—such as silver, copper, platinum, or palladium—to provide the necessary strength and hardness for dental restorations. These alloys allow for the creation of highly accurate, durable dental work that requires minimal removal of the natural tooth structure. Historically, the use of gold in dentistry dates back to ancient civilizations, including the Etruscans, who utilized gold for bridges and partial dentures as early as 500 BCE.1234