Dentistry

Current technology

Historically, gold has been a preferred material in dentistry for prosthetics due to its excellent biocompatibility, corrosion resistance and ductility. The use of gold in dentistry includes frameworks for removable dentures, fixed dentures and certain implant components.

However, pure gold is too malleable for dental applications, so it is often alloyed with other metals like palladium and platinum to enhance its strength and durability.

Challenges of current technology

Gold is highly resistant to oxidation in the oral environment, making it a reliable material for dental restorations. However, its softness leads to gradual wear, which can impact long-term durability.

Additionally, the high cost of gold and its limited availability have led to the exploration of alternative materials. Modern dental technology focuses on materials that combine strength, durability and aesthetic appeal, often incorporating metals like palladium and titanium into dental alloys.

Positive impact of palladium

Palladium is highly valued in the dental industry for its antibacterial properties, exceptional corrosion resistance, hypoallergenic nature and biological inertness. Its ability to integrate naturally into the patient’s body without causing adverse effects makes it ideal for prosthetic applications.

Palladium alloying of gold increases hardness, tensile strength and yield point, making such alloys a more robust option for dental applications. It is primarily used in alloys for implants, crowns and bridges, enhancing strength and durability, particularly for restoring grinder teeth or treating decayed teeth. Palladium-based alloys are durable and safe, and advances in technology allow them to match the natural colour of teeth when coated with ceramic materials.

To find out more about the physical and chemical qualities of palladium see – Chemistry.

To find out more about palladium in dentistry, see the following scientific publications:

• Majerič, P., Lazić, M. M., Mitić, D., Lazić, M., Lazić, E. K., Vastag, G., … & Rudolf, R. (2024). The Thermomechanical, Functional and Biocompatibility Properties of a Au–Pt–Ge Alloy for PFM Dental Restorations. Materials, 17(22), 5491. DOI: https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202409.1038.v1
• Saha, S., & Roy, S. (2022). Metallic dental implants wear mechanisms, materials, and manufacturing processes: a literature review. Materials, 16(1), 161. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ma16010161
• Saini, M., Singh, Y., Arora, P., Arora, V., & Jain, K. (2015). Implant biomaterials: A comprehensive review. World Journal of Clinical Cases: WJCC, 3(1), 52. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12998/wjcc.v3.i1.52