Thursday, 24th April 2008 (540 views)

A bullish gold market and record highs in prices for the precious metal are encouraging increasing numbers of people to go "digging through drawers" for "dental gold" such as fillings, bridgework or tooth cap, according to reports.

The Associated Press says that many had previously held on their old fillings and caps as "souvenirs" but now hope to cash in by selling them to coin shops and specialist dental gold firms.

Scott Taber, a coin dealer from Shrewsbury, Massachusetts, told the news service that until recently he would get "only a few customers a month" looking to sell gold teeth but now sees as many in the space of a week.

However, while more people may be interested in the possibility of selling disused gold teeth, dental specialist Dr Parviz Azar-Mehr said they should not expect to get rich from it.

Since 1980, gold inlays and foil work have become less commonly used in dentistry, although the precious metal is still used in some crowns.

According to site, new porcelain and gold crowns can cost up to $3,000 (£1,518).

 

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