For many years, amalgam filling was the material of choice for dental restorations. Now there are concerns about health risks of amalgam as dental filling material. This is because of exposure to mercury. Therefore, new developments are emerging.
One important change is the ban on amalgam containing mercury throughout the EU. This came into force in January 2025. It has transformed dental care. This affects patients, dentists, and health insurance companies.
What is an amalgam filling?
Dental amalgam fillings consist of an alloy containing various metals such as silver, copper, tin, and, above all, mercury. The elemental mercury content is approximately 50 percent. For decades, dentists valued this dental restorative material as robust, durable, and relatively inexpensive. It was particularly popular for molar amalgam restorations because it can withstand high chewing loads.
Why is Mercury Problematic?
Mercury is a poisonous metal that is dangerous to humans and the environment. One of the most concerning forms of mercury is liquid mercury. Dental amalgam is a material made of alloy powder mixed with mercury.
When amalgam fillings are placed in teeth, they can slowly degrade over time. Everyday actions such as chewing can cause small amounts of mercury vapor to be released from these fillings. These emissions are small on a daily basis, but they can build up in the body over time. The vaporized mercury is particularly dangerous because it is easily inhaled and absorbed into the bloodstream.
Some people may have an allergic reaction or other symptoms like mouth sores, skin rashes, or neurological problems. People with pre-existing health conditions or weak immune systems are particularly at risk. Sensitive populations are at higher risk for experiencing the adverse health effects of mercury exposure.
Because of these concerns, regulatory bodies across the European Union have put restrictions on the use of dental amalgam. Since July 2018, the use of mercury in dental amalgam fillings has been limited a lot. This is part of a larger effort to protect people’s health. The goal is to reduce exposure to toxic mercury and protect those most at risk from its harmful effects.
In short, some professional societies say that dental amalgam is safe. But it can release mercury vapor, build up over time, and cause allergic reactions. This shows that mercury is a problematic substance that can harm people’s health and the environment.
Exposure Levels of Mercury and Potential Health Effects
Exposure Level | Source | Potential Health Effects | At-Risk Groups |
|---|---|---|---|
Very low | Occasional chewing, brushing with amalgam | Generally considered safe for most adults; minimal health impact | Low-risk for healthy adults |
Low to Moderate | Daily chewing, teeth grinding (bruxism) | Gradual accumulation; may cause subtle neurological or immune system effects over time | Children, chronically ill, mercury-sensitive individuals |
Moderate to High | Multiple amalgam fillings + bruxism | Possible mercury vapor released leads to adverse health effects like fatigue, tremors | Pregnant women, adolescents under 15 |
High | Improper removal of fillings | Acute exposure to mercury vapor; risk of allergic reaction, headaches, kidney damage | All individuals, especially sensitive populations |
Very High / Toxic | Occupational exposure (dentistry), spills | Severe adverse health effects: cognitive impairment, organ damage, potential toxicity | Dental workers without proper safety, general population |
The EU ban from January 2025
A comprehensive EU-wide ban on amalgam fillings will come into force on January 1, 2025. This means:
- Dentists are no longer permitted to place new amalgam fillings, regardless of the patient’s age or health status.
- The import and trade of mercury-containing amalgam is also prohibited in the European Union.
- Existing and intact fillings may remain in the mouth. General removal is not necessary and not always medically advisable.
The goal of this measure is to significantly reduce environmental pollution caused by mercury. The long-term goal is to ban amalgam fillings from dental practices.
In light of the ban, many patients are wondering whether their existing fillings should be removed. According to experts, intact amalgam fillings are harmless. Removal is risky because it releases mercury. If the filling is damaged, or the tooth is discolored or painful, a dentist must extract it.
Mercury should only be removed with protective measures, with rubber dams, suction devices, and air filters. This reduces the amount of toxic mercury released into the air. It’s best to choose a dentist who specializes in amalgam-free treatments.
Alternatives as Materials for Dental Fillings - Modern Solutions at Cosmedica Dental
Since the ban of the amalgam use, dental clinic consider alternative materials. For example, composite resin based fillings are a mixture of plastic and fine glass particles. They are tooth-colored, which makes them look nice. Other options include glass ionomer cements for temporary fillings or for primary teeth, and ceramic and gold inlays.
The most common alternative to amalgam is composite fillings. They’re a special material that’s a combination of fine glass particles and a special kind of plastic. They are tooth-colored, blend perfectly with natural teeth, and are barely visible.
Modern layering techniques make the material more durable and attractive by applying it with particular precision. Silver filling is also good for small to medium-sized problems and matches the patient’s tooth color.
If you’re looking for something that will last, ceramic inlays or all-ceramic fillings are a good choice. They last a long time, and look almost like natural teeth. Ceramic inlays are especially good for the back of the mouth, where a lot of chewing happens.
Cosmedica Dental uses highly precise digital techniques. This allows for precise planning of the teeth and precise adjustment of the aligner. You don’t need special materials to make the impression. Patients receive excellent treatment and it is also comfortable.
Advantages of Modern Materials – Especially at Cosmedica Dental
At Cosmedica Dental, we only use materials that do not contain harmful substances such as mercury or other metals. The clinic also gives advice on material selection, taking individual needs, allergies, aesthetic preferences, and health requirements into account.
We have a lot of experience with dentistry without metal. Even if you want to have your old amalgam fillings removed, you can rely on safe treatment.
Cosmedica Dental offers affordable, worthwhile treatment. In Germany, modern fillings require a health insurance to pay for them, and the patient must pay a lot of money out of pocket. In Turkey, they cost much less without sacrificing quality, safety, or comfort. Before treatment, we will explain the materials we use, why they are good, and how much they cost.
DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT YOUR FILLING?
Dental care in Turkey – Modern alternative
As of January 2025, the EU bans mercury-containing amalgam. So, people are looking for alternatives in other countries. Many patients from Europe travel to Turkish clinics. They want modern treatments, high medical standards, and affordable prices.
A good example is the well-known Cosmedica Dental Clinic in Istanbul. The clinic offers the best in modern dentistry and works without mercury or amalgam. Cosmedica Dental has been using other materials for dental fillings and dental implants in Turkey for a long time, even before the EU ban.
At Cosmedica Dental, we treat our patients using gentle methods by experienced specialists. The clinic also has treatment plans for people with chronic illnesses or allergies to certain metals.
Quality, trust, and international experience
Our dental clinic is popular with international patients. This is also because of the close work with partners and the clear pricing. Many patients with statutory health insurance from Germany have their teeth treated with a different material in Turkey. The good thing about this: The costs are often lower than in Germany, even with co-payments.
After the ban, new rules are expected to be introduced to make sure everyone is treated the same way. Health insurance companies will have to work to find solutions that work for everyone. Some experts think this will cost patients more, especially if they need larger fillings in the back.
Conclusion: A Historic Shift in Dentistry
Starting in January 2025, amalgam filling will be banned in all EU countries. This marks the end of an important period in dentistry. This was common for over 100 years, but now dentists are phasing it out for reasons related to health and the environment. Many patients are happy about this, especially those who were worried about the risks of toxic mercury.
This change has caused new problems. Dental offices, companies that make new materials, and health insurance companies must change. Everyone is looking for better solutions for tomorrow’s dental care.