Your Old Dental Work Could Be Worth More Than You Think: The Hidden Gold Mine in Your Jewelry Box
Hidden away in drawers and jewelry boxes across America lies a treasure that most people don’t even realize they possess. Professionals speculate that about 100 tons of unused dental gold are circulating in the US. If this is true, we are talking about two billion dollars in hidden capital stored in dressers, drawers, and boxes. With the price of one ounce of gold (currently $3,300+) has almost doubled within the past year, now is the perfect time to discover what your old dental work is truly worth.
Understanding the Value of Your Dental Gold
Dental gold isn’t just any ordinary metal – it’s a specialized alloy that has been prized for over 4,000 years for its unique properties. Generally speaking, the older the crown, the more likely it is to have a higher gold content. Before the 1980s, high-noble gold-based alloys were commonly used in dentistry due to their exceptional durability and biocompatibility. This means that vintage dental work from parents or grandparents could be particularly valuable.
The value of dental gold varies significantly based on several factors. The average dental gold item weighs 3.5 grams and is made of 18 karat gold, which is 75% gold content. Based on the current gold price per gram of ($) as of , the average value of a dental gold item is $7.00. But you can expect to get around 40-70% of the actual value when you sell it, for a total of around $2.80 – $4.90 on average per dental gold item that you sell.
Here’s what different types of dental work typically contain:
- Gold Crowns: 2-5 grams, 16K-20K (most commonly 18K). Gold Bridges: 2-5 grams per unit, 6-15 grams for full bridges, 16K-20K (most commonly 18K).
- Gold Inlays/Onlays: 1-3 grams, 18K-20K. Gold Posts and Cores: 1-2 grams, 16K-18K.
- Gold Foil Fillings: <1 gram, 24K.
How to Safely Sell Your Dental Gold in 2025
The key to maximizing your return on dental gold is choosing the right buyer. “Cash for gold” stores, pawn shops, and online gold-buying services will eventually go on to sell your scrap to a refinery, keeping most of the profit. Always sell your dental scrap to a refinery that specializes in precious metals. However, for smaller amounts, reputable local dealers can provide immediate cash and personal service.
When evaluating potential buyers, look for these safety indicators:
- Proper licensing and insurance
- Transparent pricing policies
- No-obligation appraisals
- Return policies if you decline their offer
- Established reputation in the community
Sellers should only deal with buyers that will give a quote, allow the seller time to accept or decline, and return the crown/bridge if seller declines. This protects you from high-pressure tactics and ensures you maintain control over your transaction.
Why Choose a Trusted Local Dealer
While online buyers can offer competitive rates, working with an established local business provides several advantages. You can inspect the facility, meet the staff in person, and get immediate payment without shipping delays or insurance concerns. For Long Island residents looking to Sell My Gold long island, Gold Coast Jewelry & Pawn offers the perfect combination of expertise and trustworthiness.
Located at 1786 E Jericho Turnpike, Huntington, New York 11743, Gold Coast Jewelry & Pawn has built an outstanding reputation in the community. We were voted the “Best Pawn Shop on Long Island” by the Long Island Press. The company has been servicing Nassau and Suffolk Counties for years. They have an outstanding reputation and offer the fairest rates and fastest results on pawn shop loans on Long Island.
What sets Gold Coast apart is their commitment to customer service and fair dealing. No matter the type of precious metal you have, Gold Coast can offer top dollar for your quality items. Precious metals are a great way to get the quick cash you need. Their experienced staff understands the complexities of dental gold valuation and can properly assess the true value of your items.
What to Expect During the Selling Process
Professional dental gold buyers use sophisticated testing methods to determine exact precious metal content. Because most dental restorations are alloys – mixtures of multiple metals. For example, a gold crown may also contain platinum, palladium, silver, and even base metals like copper, nickel, or zinc. Most cash buyers only account for the gold, meaning you could lose out on the full value of your scrap.
The evaluation process typically involves:
- Weighing your items accurately
- Testing for gold content and purity
- Identifying other precious metals present
- Calculating fair market value
- Providing a no-obligation quote
When you come in to sell your gold, silver, jewelry, watches or other items you can do it quickly and easily. Most importantly, it is very safe. You just come into our shop, make the deal and walk out with cash.
Preparing Your Dental Gold for Sale
One of the advantages of selling dental gold is that minimal preparation is required. We accept dental material as is, so there’s no need to clean your scrap before sending it in. Don’t attempt to remove porcelain, cement, or tooth fragments – professional buyers have the equipment and expertise to handle materials in any condition.
For safety when handling extracted dental work, keep in mind that extracted dental work is probably contaminated with potentially hazardous biological materials. It is your obligation to handle and transport your materials with this in mind. We recommend keeping and transporting them in a sealed container (pill bottle) or bag.
Making the Most of Current Market Conditions
The timing couldn’t be better for selling dental gold. Gold prices shattered records in 2024 and the growth has continued through 2025. This past April, gold hit an all-time high of $3,500 per ounce. With today’s record-high gold prices ($2,901 per ounce as of Feb 26th, 2025), even just a few pieces of gold-containing scrap may be worth a pretty penny!
Don’t let valuable dental gold continue gathering dust when it could provide immediate financial benefit. Whether you’re decluttering, need quick cash, or simply want to capitalize on current precious metal prices, your old dental work represents a tangible asset with real value.
Take Action Today
The hidden value in your old dental work won’t remain hidden forever, but current high gold prices make 2025 an ideal time to convert these forgotten treasures into cash. By choosing a reputable, established buyer like Gold Coast Jewelry & Pawn, you ensure you’ll receive fair value, professional service, and immediate payment for your dental gold.
Contact Gold Coast Jewelry & Pawn today at 631-735-6880 or visit their Huntington location to discover what your dental gold is truly worth. With their expert evaluation, transparent pricing, and commitment to customer satisfaction, you can confidently turn your hidden treasure into immediate cash.