Is the filling toxic?

The responsible EU Commission has published a report on this. And it states that mercury is indeed released from amalgam fillings. However, the amount is so small that there is no risk of damage to the health of those affected. According to the German Cancer Research Center, it is not certain whether amalgam fillings cause side effects such as nerve damage, fatigue or chronic headaches.

Do I have to replace my amalgam filling?

People with amalgam fillings are on average four to five times more exposed to mercury. Overall, however, the exposure remains far below the limits set by the World Health Organization (WHO). A person with ten amalgam fillings comes to two percent of the limit value - there is no risk of poisoning. If you still want to have your amalgam filling replaced, the Robert Koch Institute recommends that you do so in specialized practices, as both patient and doctor must protect themselves from the mercury dust produced during treatment.

These are the alternatives

Plastic: The filling is placed in the hole and then adapts to the tooth. It lasts for around ten years. The advantage: plastic fillings are invisible. Cost: 30 to 80 euros per tooth.

Gold: The material usually lasts a lifetime and is very well tolerated. The gold inlay is cast by the laboratory according to the shape of the tooth hole. The dentist inserts the inlay and fixes it with special glue or cement. Cost: 280 to 380 euros per tooth.

Ceramic: A ceramic inlay is also milled by a laboratory according to the shape of the tooth hole. It becomes brittle after about ten to 15 years and has to be replaced. Cost: 350 to 500 euros per tooth.