According to the professional associations' assessment, intact amalgam or metal fillings do not need to be removed as a precaution. If you would like metal-free treatment, if a proven intolerance or allergy is present, or if a filling needs to be replaced anyway, we replace metal fillings step by step, under protective measures, with ceramic or composite. Whether and in what order this makes sense for you is something we discuss individually – no one needs to rush into replacing intact fillings.
Why this topic is relevant now
Since 1 January 2025, amalgam may, in principle, no longer be used for new fillings in the EU. Existing amalgam fillings may remain in place – however, removing them produces mercury-containing debris and vapour. That's why how it is removed matters.
Our protective measures during removal
- Rubber dam: A tensioned rubber sheet isolates the tooth completely from the rest of the mouth – nothing can be swallowed by accident.
- Special extraction technique: Powerful suction directly at the tooth, plus additional protection for the airways and eyes.
- Oxygen supply via a nasal mask: You breathe clean air while the removal is taking place.
- Gentle removal in pieces with minimal heat generation, instead of grinding the filling away.
- Amalgam separators at the practice ensure that no residues get into the wastewater.
What takes the place of metal
After removal, we restore the tooth metal-free: with high-quality composites, ceramic inlays, or all-ceramic partial crowns and crowns – often without an impression and in a single appointment, thanks to our digital manufacturing. Gold inlays, metal-ceramic crowns, or cast partial dentures can also be replaced step by step with metal-free ceramic.
Support: nutrition and nutrients
On request, we can support the treatment with dietary advice and, where a deficiency has been established, coordinated nutritional support. Our practice manager is a trained dental nutrition advisor. There is no scientific evidence for a health benefit from so-called “detox procedures”; we decide together with you, and where appropriate with your GP, which measures make sense in an individual case.
Video
Briefly explained – from our practice
The videos provide general information and do not replace individual advice; the course and outcome of treatment depend on personal circumstances. All videos have subtitles. More in our media library and on Instagram.