Amalgam fillings, once hailed as an economical and practical solution for dental cavities, are now facing a ban in the European Union, set to take effect on January 1st.
The decision, however, is not based on medical concerns but environmental ones. The production and disposal of amalgam contribute to mercury pollution, a major environmental issue.
In Germany, amalgam has been a staple in dental care for decades, with its reliability and durability making it a popular choice. The German abbreviation WANZ—representing the principle of mandatory health insurance—has long captured the material’s status as both practical and essential. Yet, for many, amalgam has come to be seen as unattractive and outdated, especially given its characteristic grayish appearance.
Although its use has dwindled over the years, with amalgam fillings comprising 75% of all fillings in Germany in 1985 and dropping to 30% by 1992, the material has refused to disappear completely. Der Spiegel famously declared amalgam “dead” in 1995, but the reality was different. Despite the declining use, it continues to be employed in a small number of dental practices across Germany.
Dentists still consider amalgam to be an effective material for treating cavities. “It is easy to process, suitable for almost any defect, durable, and even has antibacterial properties,” they argue.
For those with existing amalgam fillings that are still intact, German doctors will not remove them. Instead, other materials, such as composites or cements, will become the standard in dental practices, aligning with WANZ criteria. However, patients who desire higher-quality materials or color corrections not covered by insurance will still need to pay out of pocket.
