The amalgams are gone, but the mercury is still inside
You have taken the most important step: having your mercury amalgam fillings safely removed. But removing the amalgams from your teeth does not automatically eliminate the mercury that has been accumulating in your tissues for years.
Mercury from amalgam fillings is released as vapour every time you chew, drink something hot, or grind your teeth. Over years or even decades, some of that mercury is deposited in organs such as the kidneys, liver, thyroid, and central nervous system. Once the amalgams have been removed, the goal is to help your body mobilise and eliminate those deposits safely and gradually.
Phase 1: Stabilisation (first 2-4 weeks)
Immediately after removal, it is not advisable to begin aggressive chelation. The body needs time to stabilise after the procedure. During this phase, the protocol focuses on:
Initial stabilisation protocol
Antioxidant protection: vitamin C (1,000-2,000 mg/day), vitamin E, and selenium. These nutrients neutralise the free radicals generated by mercury and protect cell membranes.
Liver support: the liver is the primary detoxification organ. Supplements such as milk thistle (silymarin), N-acetylcysteine (NAC), and alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) prepare the hepatic elimination pathways.
Gut support: fibre, probiotics, and prebiotics ensure that mercury excreted through bile is not reabsorbed in the intestine (enterohepatic recirculation).
Phase 2: Gentle mobilisation (months 1-3)
Once the body has stabilised, gradual mobilisation of stored mercury begins. The most commonly used chelating agents during this phase are:
Chlorella: an alga with a high affinity for heavy metals. It acts as a "sponge" that traps mercury in the intestine and prevents its reabsorption. Treatment starts with low doses (1-2 g/day) and is increased gradually.
Coriander (cilantro): preliminary studies suggest that coriander may mobilise mercury from the tissues. It is always used in combination with chlorella to prevent mobilised mercury from being redistributed without being eliminated.
Alpha-lipoic acid (ALA): a natural chelator that crosses the blood-brain barrier, making it particularly useful for mobilising mercury from the nervous system. It requires careful dosing and professional supervision.
Phase 3: Deep chelation (months 3-12)
In patients with a high toxic burden or persistent symptoms, a more intensive chelation protocol supervised by a physician specialising in toxicology may be necessary. Options include:
DMSA (dimercaptosuccinic acid): an approved oral chelator that binds to mercury and eliminates it through the kidneys. It is administered in cycles (typically 3 days on, 11 days off) to allow the body to recover between doses.
DMPS (dimercapto-propanesulfonic acid): similar to DMSA, it can be administered orally or intravenously. It is particularly effective for inorganic mercury stored in the kidneys.
Throughout deep chelation, it is essential to maintain mineral supplementation (zinc, magnesium, selenium), as chelating agents do not distinguish between toxic metals and essential minerals.
Phase 1
Stabilisation (2-4 weeks). Antioxidant protection, liver and gut support.
Phase 2
Gentle mobilisation (months 1-3). Chlorella, coriander, and alpha-lipoic acid.
Phase 3
Deep chelation (months 3-12). DMSA, DMPS, and supervised mineral supplementation.
Complementary support: ozone therapy
Ozone therapy can be a valuable ally during detoxification. Medical ozone (O₃) improves tissue oxygenation, stimulates endogenous antioxidant enzymes, and modulates the immune response. Applied systemically (major autohemotherapy) or locally, it helps the body recover from the accumulated toxic burden.
What to expect during the process
Mercury detoxification is not linear. It is common to experience detoxification reactions (also known as "healing crises") during the first few weeks: fatigue, headaches, joint pain, changes in bowel habits, or skin rashes. These reactions are usually mild and temporary, and they are a sign that the body is mobilising toxins.
Improvement tends to be gradual. Many patients report significant improvements in energy, mental clarity, sleep quality, and reduction of chronic symptoms between 3 and 12 months after starting the protocol. Patience and consistency are key.
Detoxification reactions are usually mild and temporary, and they are a sign that the body is mobilising toxins. Patience and consistency are key.
The importance of professional supervision
Never self-chelate
A heavy metal detoxification protocol should never be undertaken without professional supervision. Improperly administered chelation can mobilise mercury without eliminating it correctly, redistributing it to sensitive organs. At Bio Salud Dental, we work in coordination with specialists in integrative medicine to ensure the entire process -- from safe removal to complete detoxification -- is properly supervised.
Frequently asked questions
What you should know
Mercury stored in the tissues can take between 6 and 18 months to decrease significantly, depending on the accumulated burden, the individual's detoxification capacity, and the support protocol in place. The process is gradual and requires professional monitoring.
This is not recommended. Improperly administered chelation can mobilise mercury without eliminating it correctly, redistributing it to sensitive organs such as the brain. It should always be supervised by a professional with experience in heavy metal toxicology.
Yes. Although safe removal protocols minimise acute exposure, the mercury accumulated over years of having amalgams remains in the tissues. A detoxification protocol helps the body mobilise and eliminate those deposits safely.
Keep reading
Related articles
Safe amalgam removal in Madrid
How we safely remove mercury amalgam fillings using the SMART protocol to protect you during the procedure.
Titanium allergy in dentistry: symptoms and alternatives
Can you be allergic to titanium? Signs to watch for, diagnosis, and what to do if you are sensitive to metal implants.
What is the MELISA Test? Everything you need to know
The test that detects metal hypersensitivity. How it works, what it measures, and why it matters before getting an implant.
Want a holistic approach to your dental health?
Request a second opinion from Drs. Castillo. We review every case personally and respond within 48–72 hours.