The procedure of removing amalgam (silver) fillings involves cutting the amalgam into as few fragments as possible using special drills, and the removal of these pieces. During the procedure the dental plaque is removed from the tooth in which the amalgam filling is to be replaced, and then the tooth is filled with a fine white restorative material.
In accordance with the regulation: REGULATION (EU) 2017/852 OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 17 May 2017 on mercury and repealing Regulation (EC) No 1102/2008:
The use of dental amalgam is the major mercury consumer in the Union and a significant source of pollution. Therefore, the use of dental amalgam should be progressively restricted in accordance with the Convention and national schemes, based in particular on the measures listed in Part II of Annex A to the Convention. The Commission should assess and report on the feasibility of phasing out the use of dental amalgam in the long term, preferably by 2030, taking into consideration the national schemes required by this Regulation and fully respecting the competence of the Member States for the organisation and delivery of health services and medical care. In addition, specific preventive health measures should be adopted for vulnerable population groups, such as children and pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Since 1 July 2018, dental amalgam shall not be used in the treatment of milk teeth, in the dental treatment of children under 15 years of age and pregnant or nursing mothers.
By 1 July 2019, each Member State shall draw up a national strategy for the measures it intends to implement to reduce progressively the use of dental amalgam.