Noting that metal prices are booming, Scientific Metals said that it is now refining dental scrap including solids such as crowns, bridges, PFMs, PFGs, inlays, casting sprues, and buttons as well as grindings, floor and bench sweeps, carpets, and filters, with no need to remove the tooth structure or other materials.
The company documents, weighs, photographs, and logs each lot into its system with individual bar codes for tracking. Scientific Metals then melts the scrap in an induction furnace that can reach temperatures of more than 3,000°F, which is necessary to melt platinum and palladium, both of which have higher melting points than gold.
“Palladium, the silvery white metal, which is seen significantly in dental scrap, is nearing its all-time high. Dental scrap must be melted and assayed to accurately determine its palladium content, as palladium can easily be mistaken for non-precious metals with just a visual inspection,” said Dave Weinberg, owner of Scientific Metals.
Each lot is melted one at a time, and samples are taken via capillary action through a narrow glass cylinder. Scientific Materials calls this method the gold standard and preferred to drill samples since it is taken from the molten liquid, ensuring a homogenous sample. Samples are then analyzed through a variety of sophisticated technologies, the company said.
Once lots are processed, melted, and assayed, Scientific Materials contacts its customers to discuss the settlement amount and answer any questions. The settlement sheet will detail the exact levels of gold, platinum, palladium, and silver. The company added that there are no hidden fees, and payment options are flexible.
The family-owned company melts, assays, and refines metals all under one roof, it said. It invites clinicians to visit its facility in Woodside, New York, to watch over their melt and see the entire process. In addition to dental practices and dental labs, it partners with jewelers, manufacturers, wholesalers, precious metals dealers, and other industries.
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