PROTOCOL
Mercury Filling Removal: Detox Protocol Before and After
Removing amalgam fillings releases mercury vapor. Without proper protocols, you'll absorb more mercury during removal than years of having the fillings. Here's how to do it safely.
The Essentials
Find: IAOMT or SMART-certified biological dentist
Prepare: 2-4 weeks of binders, antioxidants, drainage support
During: Rubber dam, high-volume suction, separate air supply, chunking (not drilling)
After: Continue binders for 3+ months, then consider Andy Cutler chelation
Why Safe Removal Matters
Amalgam fillings are 50% mercury. When drilled, they release mercury vapor — the most toxic form of mercury. Your lungs absorb 80% of inhaled mercury vapor directly into the bloodstream.
The danger: A single unsafe removal can expose you to more mercury than years of daily low-level release from intact fillings. Some people become severely ill from improper removal.
Safe removal (SMART protocol) reduces exposure by 90%+. It's worth finding the right dentist even if it costs more or requires travel.
Finding a Biological Dentist
Not all dentists who remove amalgams do it safely. Look for these certifications:
- →SMART certified (IAOMT): Gold standard. Safe Mercury Amalgam Removal Technique training.
- →IAOMT member: International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology.
- →Holistic/biological dentist: General term, but verify they follow SMART protocols.
Search directories:
- • IAOMT.org — Find a Dentist
- • HolisticDental.org
- • SmartCertified.org
Questions for Your Dentist
Before booking, ask these questions. If they dismiss your concerns or don't follow SMART, find someone else:
- ?Are you SMART certified or IAOMT trained?
- ?Do you use a rubber dam to isolate the tooth?
- ?Do you provide a separate air supply or oxygen?
- ?Do you use high-volume suction and aerosol vacuum?
- ?Do you remove in chunks rather than drilling?
- ?Do you use a charcoal slurry or other pre-procedure binder?
- ?How many amalgam removals do you perform monthly?
Pre-Removal Protocol (2-4 Weeks Before)
Prepare your body to handle mercury release:
Open Drainage Pathways
- • Ensure daily bowel movements (2-3x preferred)
- • Support liver: milk thistle, NAC, or liver-specific formula
- • Increase water intake
- • Consider castor oil packs over liver area
Start Binders
- • Chlorella 3-5g daily
- • Zeolite or charcoal 1g between meals
- • Modified citrus pectin (optional, gentle)
Build Antioxidants
- • Vitamin C: 1-3g daily
- • Vitamin E: 400 IU daily
- • Selenium: 200mcg daily (protects against mercury)
- • Glutathione: liposomal or NAC as precursor
Replenish Minerals
- • Quality multimineral
- • Zinc 25-50mg daily
- • Magnesium 400mg daily
Day of Removal
Morning
- • Vitamin C 2g
- • Chlorella 5g
- • Light, easy-to-digest breakfast
What the Dentist Should Do (SMART Protocol)
- • Rubber dam to isolate tooth and prevent swallowing
- • Separate air supply (nose mask with clean air or oxygen)
- • High-volume suction at tooth level
- • External suction (aerosol vacuum) near patient's face
- • Remove amalgam in chunks (not ground to powder)
- • Copious water irrigation
- • Protective barrier over patient (gown, drape)
- • Full-face shield or covering for patient's skin/eyes
- • Charcoal slurry rinse before and after
- • Air filtration in the room
Immediately After
- • Rinse with charcoal slurry
- • Take chlorella 5g or charcoal 1g
- • Drink plenty of water
- • Rest — your body is working
Post-Removal Protocol (3+ Months)
After removal, mercury that was absorbed continues releasing from tissue. Support elimination:
First 2 Weeks
- • Continue chlorella 5g 2x daily
- • Zeolite or charcoal 1g 2x daily (away from meals)
- • Continue all antioxidants
- • Infrared sauna if available (3x/week)
- • Extra rest
Weeks 2-12
- • Continue binders (can reduce to maintenance levels)
- • Glutathione support (liposomal or NAC)
- • Regular saunas
- • Watch for symptoms — adjust binders accordingly
3+ Months Post-Removal
- • Consider Andy Cutler chelation protocol
- • Test metals (hair, urine challenge) to assess burden
- • Continue maintenance binders indefinitely
Common Mistakes
- ✕Using regular dentist: Most dentists don't follow safe protocols. Worth traveling for SMART certified.
- ✕Removing all at once: Better to remove 1-2 fillings per session, spaced weeks apart.
- ✕Starting chelation immediately: Wait 3+ months. Let acute exposure settle first.
- ✕No preparation: Pre-loading binders and antioxidants makes a huge difference.
- ✕Stopping support too soon: Mercury continues releasing for months. Keep binders going.
Cost Expectations
- SMART removal: $200-500 per filling (vs $100-200 regular dentist)
- Travel: May need to travel — worth it for safety
- Supplements: ~$100-200/month during active protocol
- Testing: $150-400 for comprehensive metal testing
- Total: $1,000-5,000+ depending on number of fillings and protocol depth
Expensive, but unsafe removal can cause years of illness. Prevention is cheaper than treatment.