Existing fillings · Cologne
An old amalgam filling does not need to be removed simply because of its material. We establish whether treatment is needed during an examination at our practice.
The rules since 2025
Since 1 January 2025, dental amalgam may generally no longer be used for new dental treatment in the EU. A narrow exception remains where the dentist considers it strictly necessary because of specific medical needs.
The phase-out is intended to reduce environmental pollution from mercury. It does not create an obligation to have existing amalgam fillings removed. Intact fillings can remain in the mouth and continue to be monitored.
If you are unsure, we will examine your fillings and discuss whether anything needs to be done.
Your concerns in focus
The models show visible differences in fillings. These alone cannot determine whether treatment is needed. Open the questions for further explanation.
AI-generated
An intact filling can stay. We establish whether this applies to your tooth during an examination at the practice. Age and dark colour alone do not mean replacement is needed.
Preserve and monitor
AI-generated
A visible defect should be examined at the practice. We assess the condition of the filling and tooth and discuss with you whether treatment is needed.
Assess the findings
AI-generated
If you would like a tooth-coloured restoration, we are happy to advise you on the options for your tooth. We discuss the appropriate approach and costs with you personally at the practice.
Discuss your aesthetic wishesSimplified AI teaching models, not patient photographs or a before-and-after comparison. An image does not replace a dental examination.
What can guide the decision
If the filling, its margins and the surrounding tooth show no concerns, monitoring may be the appropriate decision. Age and dark colour alone do not prove damage.
If you notice a damaged area or develop symptoms, have the filling examined at the practice. We assess the tooth and discuss the next steps with you.
Would you like a tooth-coloured restoration? We look together at which options suit your tooth and clarify your questions and the costs before you decide.
Discuss it in person
Are you unsure whether your amalgam fillings can stay, or would you prefer a different restoration? We take time for your questions and examine your teeth.
You are welcome to bring existing clinical reports. Based on the examination, we discuss what makes sense for your situation.
When replacement is appropriate
If replacement is an option, we discuss the suitable restoration, the process and the expected appointments with you personally.
Before treatment, you learn what options are available and what needs to be considered for your tooth. This gives you space to decide and clarify any remaining questions.
If you feel tense during dental visits, please tell us. More about a calm first conversation.
The new restoration
Depending on the findings, options may include a composite filling, a ceramic inlay or onlay or another type of Restorative dentistry . We establish which restoration suits your tooth during the examination.
Costs before treatment
People with German statutory health insurance remain entitled to suitable care without additional charges for medically necessary filling treatment. Based on your findings, we explain which restoration is included and which choices involve additional private costs.
For a filling beyond statutory health insurance benefits, a written additional-cost agreement is made in advance. Replacement of an intact filling solely at the patient’s request is generally not covered by statutory health insurance.
Private services are planned according to the German fee schedule for dentists (GOZ). Depending on the extent of treatment, you receive cost information or an individual treatment and cost plan. Please clarify possible reimbursement with your insurer beforehand.
Information to help you decide
Condition matters, not colour alone.
An intact amalgam filling does not need to be removed simply because of its material. The condition of the tooth and filling and any clinical findings are decisive.
If you have symptoms or notice an unusual area, have your filling examined at the practice. The findings form the basis for the next steps.
What matters to you? Bring your questions to the appointment. We explain the findings and discuss together whether treatment is appropriate.
If replacement is appropriate, we discuss which restoration suits your tooth.
Before treatment, you receive clear cost information. You can use this to clarify possible reimbursement with your insurer in advance.
Frequently asked questions
No. The restriction concerns use in new treatments. Whether an existing filling should be replaced depends on its condition and the individual findings.
There is no fixed rule. We first assess which fillings need treatment at all. The number of teeth, size and depth of defects and planned restorations all help determine whether one or several appointments are appropriate.
Intact amalgam fillings should not be removed as a precaution during these periods either. If pain, decay or a damaged filling requires treatment, the urgency, timing and approach are agreed individually with the dentist and, if necessary, a medical doctor.
Not simply because you have an amalgam filling. If there is a specific suspicion, we discuss appropriate diagnostic steps and, if necessary, specialist medical assessment. Please bring any existing allergy findings.
The new restoration can be tooth-coloured. This does not automatically change the natural colour of the rest of the tooth. Whether additional aesthetic measures would be appropriate is a separate decision.
Assess your fillings without rushing
We examine your existing fillings and discuss whether action is needed and which next steps are appropriate.
Have your amalgam fillings checked
Or call us on 0221 669 401 80.