Gold and Titanium - can they react?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion centers around the potential chemical reactions occurring in the mouth due to the presence of titanium and gold dental crowns. Participants explore the possibility of these metals interacting electrochemically, considering their properties from a periodic table perspective. The conversation includes personal experiences and speculative ideas regarding the reactions and their implications.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant wonders if the combination of titanium and gold crowns could create a small battery effect in the mouth, prompting reactions.
  • Another suggests conducting experiments with different liquids to observe any variations in reactions, indicating a hands-on approach to understanding the situation.
  • A participant recalls experiencing reactions with amalgam fillings and aluminum foil, suggesting that similar electrochemical interactions could occur with titanium and gold.
  • There is mention of titanium's reactivity and corrosion resistance due to oxide passivation, raising questions about its interaction with gold and the role of oxygen in any potential reactions.
  • Speculation exists about the inert nature of gold possibly serving as an electrode in any electrochemical process, although the exact mechanism remains unclear.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express uncertainty regarding the interactions between titanium and gold, with no consensus reached on whether a significant reaction occurs. Speculative ideas are shared, but the discussion remains open-ended without definitive conclusions.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in their understanding of the mechanisms involved and the potential for individual experiences to vary. There is an emphasis on the need for professional consultation with a dentist.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to individuals experiencing similar dental situations, those curious about the electrochemical properties of metals, or anyone exploring the implications of dental materials on health.

Borg
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A few weeks ago, I got a titanium crown next to a gold crown. Now I'm getting weird reactions in my mouth. I emailed my dentist and will consult with him of course (PF rules and all). I'm not trying to get advice on what to do but I am wondering if it's possible from a periodic table view whether I may have a small battery in my mouth. Borek?
 
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Borg said:
A few weeks ago, I got a titanium crown next to a gold crown. Now I'm getting weird reactions in my mouth. I emailed my dentist and will consult with him of course (PF rules and all). I'm not trying to get advice on what to do but I am wondering if it's possible from a periodic table view whether I may have a small battery in my mouth. Borek?

That's interesting.I don't know the answer but perhaps you could try a few initial experiments such as feeling what reactions you experience with different liquids in your mouth such as dry (or as dry as you can manage), saliva and salt water.
A thought just popped into my head.If you do have a mouth battery you could use it to power some LEDS which you arrange to get implanted in your teeth.It can give you an even brighter smile.:biggrin:
 
Borg said:
A few weeks ago, I got a titanium crown next to a gold crown. Now I'm getting weird reactions in my mouth. I emailed my dentist and will consult with him of course (PF rules and all). I'm not trying to get advice on what to do but I am wondering if it's possible from a periodic table view whether I may have a small battery in my mouth. Borek?

While I would have problems explaining the mechanism, it doesn't sound impossible to me. At the time I had amalgam fillings in my molars I remember having similar reactions when I happened to chew a piece of alufoil.

Titanium is highly reactive, just like aluminum it is corrosion resistant because of the oxide passivation. That means there is no problem with the oxidation half cell, as the oxide - while definitely strong - can be scratched exposing the raw metal surface. I don't see what can be happening with the gold, but perhaps it just serves as the inert electrode and it is oxygen that gets reduced on the surface?

That's it, now I am afraid I should ban myself for speculation :shy:
 
Please don't ban yourself. :smile: I appreciate your insight. I wouldn't think that a dentist would put them together if there was a possible reaction but, you never know. I'llkeep your speculations in mind and see what the doc tells me. Thanks.

@Dadface. I'll have to give the salt water test a try. I'll pass on the LEDs though.
 
Last edited:

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