Amalgam use is banned in Lithuania, but tracking usage and environmental risks remains a challenge.
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In Lithuania, the use of amalgam fillings is banned this year, but precise statistics on the number of residents with amalgam fillings are unclear, as there is no mandatory reporting or monitoring system for dental clinics. A representative from the National Public Health Center stated that only three clinics reported data in 2023, resulting in 149 known cases. While the use of amalgam is fully banned in Lithuania from January 2025 unless specific medical indications exist, the number of cases is decreasing, and stricter clinic accountability is needed to ensure amalgam is not chosen solely for its low cost. Experts advise against unnecessary removal of amalgam fillings, as the removal process can release more mercury into the body than leaving it in place, though consultation with an experienced dentist is recommended for removal. Amalgams, popular for their durability and low cost, contain mercury, a heavy metal that raises scientific concern due to potential long-term effects on neurological, immunological, and kidney health. Although the WHO notes that exposure levels from amalgam are often not highly concerning, EU measures have been implemented, including bans on using amalgam for children under 15 and pregnant/nursing women, and requirements for filters in dental clinics since 2019. The greatest environmental danger comes from mercury entering water and soil, which can be mitigated by using separators in the dental office. Regarding waste management, studies show that a large percentage of adults in Europe have amalgam fillings, particularly in countries like Germany and the UK. While some countries, like Denmark, have regulations for treating amalgam waste as hazardous, concerns persist regarding its disposal and potential environmental contamination in other regions.
