The end of amalgam dental fillings is approaching, but patients from the Pilsen Region are not yet dealing with it. At the same time, it is almost certain that the black fillings, which are free, will replace the more expensive white ones. The price of white fillings starts in the region at the amount of one thousand crowns per square meter.
Dental office, illustrative photo.
| Photo: Deník/Lukáš Kaboň
Amalgam fillings, a long-standing standard in dentistry, are coming to an end. The European Union has set a ban on their use from 2025, with the exception of the Czech Republic, which applies until mid-2026. According to the initiators of the ban, the mercury contained in amalgam poses a risk to the environment.
Doctors about the ban amalgam fillings they know, but it is not yet clear how their compensation will be paid. Legislators have yet to deal with this issue. According to Tomáš Horák, a member of the Board of Directors of the Pilsen Regional Stomatological Chamber, the law is not yet ready. The chamber brings together dentists from the districts of Pilsen – city, Pilsen – south, Pilsen – north, Rokycany and Tachov.
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“Amalgam fillings do not harm the health of our patients. In the conditions of the Czech Republic, they are difficult to replace,” explains Tomáš Horák, adding that composite and vitreous plastic filling materials can also be used. Most of his patients prefer these white fillings. “Patients get advice on the appropriateness of applying a given filling in the dentition. In my practice, photocomposite fillings predominate,” adds the doctor. Modern dentistry is largely based on these materials, but they are not covered by health insurance. In contrast, basic amalgam fillings are now paid for by the insurance company.
Prices for white filling are different because it depends on the size and labor. In addition, each surgery has its own calculation. “I estimate that the average price in our region starts at 1,000 crowns for one flat,” adds Tomáš Horák. Patients do not decide the future yet. “The regional dental chamber has not yet met with questions in connection with the planned ban on amalgam fillings,” concludes the doctor.
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Even the Pilsen dentist, who did not wish to be named, does not often use amalgam fillings anymore. “I do amalgam about twice a month, and I still have to feel that it is more suitable because of the indication, even though when using it, the impact on the tooth is more drastic. Currently, the prevailing effort is to interfere with it as little as possible, so I agree with most patients on the use of a composite, for which they are willing to pay. It is not always just an aesthetic point of view as before, but I emphasize that everything takes place after agreement with the patient. However, the frequency of amalgam use may differ among other colleagues, depending on the spectrum of patients. Amalgam, however, still has its place, it is simply more suitable for some procedures, it is tested and will last,” said the dentist. “I don’t understand some of the arguments for banning amalgam fillings,” he added.
