Is It Necessary to Pay Zakat for Gold Tooth Caps?

No, Zakat is not required on gold tooth caps.

Gold teeth are used for medical or dental purposes, not as an asset for wealth, and therefore do not meet the criteria for Zakat.

Below are key points to explain why::

Reasons Zakat Is Not Necessary

1. Gold as a Necessity, Not Wealth
   
   • Gold tooth caps are permanent and serve a functional purpose rather than being a form of adornment.
   • Zakat applies to gold used as jewelry or wealth if it exceeds the Zakat nisab (minimum threshold).
2. Scholarly Perspective
   
   • Scholars permit the use of gold for medical purposes when necessary, as supported by a Prophetic narration.
   • The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) allowed ‘Arfajah Ibn Sa’d to replace his nose with a gold prosthetic after a battle injury. He (PBUH) emphasized the permissibility of using gold for necessities.

Modern Use of Gold in Dentistry

Gold crowns are typically made of 18-carat gold because 24-carat gold is too soft. Many dental labs now use non-precious gold (NPG) or other materials due to the high cost of real gold. These substitutes, being non-genuine gold, do not qualify for Zakat either.

Religious Practices Are Not Affected

Gold in dental work does not interfere with ablution or ritual baths. The use of gold in fillings or caps is permissible as long as it does not include any impure or forbidden materials.

Hence, gold tooth caps are a practical necessity and not an asset, so Zakat is not required. Their use is permissible in Islam, particularly when serving medical needs.

And Allah knows best!