If you’ve ever opened a drawer and found a small bag of old crowns or bridges tucked in the back, you’re not alone. Many dental practices and labs collect precious metal scrap over time but hesitate to send it in for refining because they’re unsure how the process works. How much is it worth? Is it secure? How long does it take? And how do you know you’re getting a fair return?
Below are answers to the most common refining questions we hear from dentists and dental labs.
What types of dental scrap can be refined?
Most dentists are familiar with refining crowns and bridges, but that’s just the beginning.
Precious metals can be recovered from:
- Crowns and bridges (PFM and high noble)
- Inlays and onlays
- Implant components containing precious metal
- Dental lab grindings and polishings
- Floor sweeps and vacuum filters
If you’re unsure whether something contains precious metal, it’s worth asking. Even materials that look “low value” can contain recoverable gold, platinum, palladium, or silver.
How do I know what my dental scrap is worth?
The value of your scrap depends on two primary factors:
- The precious metal content
- Current market prices for those metals
Because precious metal content of dental alloys varies widely, the only way to determine exact value is through proper testing. Reputable refiners test the material after it’s melted and separated to determine the precise metal content before issuing payment.
Keep in mind that gold is not the only valuable metal in dental scrap. Palladium and platinum can also contribute significantly to your return.
Is the refining process secure?
Security is understandably a top concern. Dental scrap represents real value, and you want assurance that your materials are handled properly.
A professional refining process should include:
- Secure packaging instructions
- Insured shipping
- Controlled in-house processing
- A detailed assay report that includes weights and results
How long does the refining process take?
Turnaround time varies depending on the volume and type of material being refined. For most dental offices and labs, the process typically takes 7-10 business days from the time the materials arrive at our facility.
Factors that can influence timing include:
- The complexity of the scrap (e.g., mixed materials vs. clean crowns)
- Market conditions
- The refiner’s in-house capabilities
If quick turnaround matters to your practice or lab, it’s a good idea to ask about typical processing timelines before sending in your shipment.
Do I need a large amount of scrap to send it in?
Not at all. While dental labs may accumulate significant quantities of grindings or alloy remnants, even smaller dental practices often have enough scrap over time to justify refining.
Many offices choose to send scrap once or twice a year as part of routine “housekeeping.” Others collect until they reach a certain weight. There’s no single right answer—it depends on your workflow and storage preferences.
*Our minimum for free shipping and supplies is for a lot is to have a value of at least $200 or five crowns. We can refine smaller quantities; however, we cannot provide free shipping for lots lower than our minimums. If you would like to send in less than five crowns, we will process it for you, but you need to send it in on your own.
What fees are involved in dental refining?
Refining fees vary depending on the type of material and the services provided. Common fee structures may include:
- A percentage of recovered metal value
- A flat refining fee
- Fees that vary based on material type
Before sending your scrap, it’s wise to understand how fees are calculated and what’s included. Transparency is key. You should know how your return is determined and what deductions, if any, apply.
What happens to my scrap after I ship it?
Many dentists are curious about what actually happens once their package arrives.
While processes vary slightly, dental scrap is typically:
- Weighed and documented
- Melted to create a homogeneous sample
- Tested (assayed) to determine metal content
- Refined to separate precious metals
- Settled based on recovered metal value
The melting step is especially important because dental scrap is often mixed and irregular. Creating a uniform sample ensures more accurate testing.
Is refining really worth the effort?
For most dental practices and labs, the answer is yes. Dental scrap is essentially unused value sitting in drawers, containers, or lab benches. Refining converts that dormant material into usable funds that can be used for new equipment purchases, staff bonuses, continuing education, or general operating expenses.
Instead of discarding materials or leaving them untouched indefinitely, refining allows you to recover the value already present in your practice.
How often should we refine our scrap?
There’s no universal rule, but common approaches include:
- Annually during tax season
- During spring or year-end office cleanouts
- When scrap storage becomes full
- When metal prices are strong
Some dental labs build refining into their quarterly processes. Others treat it as periodic maintenance. The key is having a consistent system so valuable materials don’t get overlooked.
What should I look for in a dental refiner?
Choosing the right refining partner matters.
Look for a refiner that:
- Specializes in dental materials
- Has transparent testing and settlement processes
- Communicates clearly
- Offers secure, insured shipping options
- Provides responsive customer service
Refining should feel straightforward and professional—not confusing or opaque.
Turning Questions into Opportunity
If you’ve been holding onto dental scrap because you weren’t sure how the process works, you’re not alone. Most practices and labs simply want clarity and confidence before moving forward.
Refining isn’t complicated when you work with the right partner. It’s a practical way to recover value from materials you’ve already paid for, and it can become a seamless part of your operational routine.
Have additional questions about your specific materials or process? Reaching out for answers is often the first step toward unlocking value that’s already sitting in your office. Contact our team for more information on the refining process.