In Croatian dental practices, new rules effective from 1 July mark the end of the routine installation of amalgam, or black, fillings. The change stems from alignment with European Union regulations, which mandate the gradual withdrawal of mercury from dental medicine to protect health and the environment.
Amalgam is no longer the standard material installed at the expense of the Croatian Health Insurance Institute (HZZO). It will be used only exceptionally, when a dentist determines that it is necessary due to the patient’s specific health circumstances.
The new standard consists of glass ionomer and hybrid glass ionomer cements, available to all insured persons within the scope of mandatory insurance. Experts note that these materials bond well to tooth tissue, are biocompatible, and release fluoride, which further protects against decay, while being easier to use in daily practice, as reported by Dnevnik.hr.
For patients, this means lighter, aesthetically acceptable fillings in place of dark metal ones, while the right to cavity treatment at the expense of the HZZO remains unchanged.
White composite fillings remain free for front teeth, as well as for pregnant women, new mothers, and breastfeeding women. On the back teeth, the HZZO covers glass ionomer fillings, while those who wish to have a composite filling must pay the difference in price out of pocket. The amount of the additional payment will depend on the price list of the individual practice and the size of the filling.
