Levels of gold in plasma after dental gold inlay insertion

Abstract

Objective. Several studies have reported increased levels of gold (Au) in the blood of patients with dental gold restorations. This study analyzed gold levels in blood plasma before dental gold inlay insertion, 0–12 months after, and 15 years after. Material and Methods. Plasma samples from 9 patients were taken before and 0–12 months after gold inlay insertion. Fifteen years after gold inlay insertion, further blood samples taken from 8 of these patients were analyzed for gold using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. An oral examination was also carried out before and 15 years after gold inlay insertion. Results. Gold levels in plasma were significantly higher 0–12 months after gold inlay insertion than before treatment (p=0.008). No significant difference in gold plasma levels was found between 0–12 months after and 15 years after insertion (p=0.109), although there was a significant correlation between the number of gold alloy surfaces and the amount of gold in plasma 15 years after insertion (p=0.028). Conclusions. This study supports a dose-related release of gold into plasma from dental gold restorations, a release that appears to be stable over time.