In the realm of dental health, cavitations are an often overlooked yet significant issue. These hidden infections in the jawbone, often caused by extractions, trauma, or chronic infections, can lead to various health problems if left untreated. Known as focal infections, NICO (Neuralgia-Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis), or SICO (Sickness Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis), cavitations require careful diagnosis and treatment. Let's explore what cavitations are, how they form, and the best ways to treat them.

Understanding Cavitations

What Are Cavitations?
Cavitations are hollow areas within the jawbone that can develop after tooth extractions, significant trauma, or chronic infections. When these areas do not heal properly, they can lead to pockets of infection and dead bone tissue. Unlike more apparent dental issues such as cavities or gum disease, cavitations are not easily visible on standard dental X-rays and often go undetected for years. In 1931, G.V. Black, a renowned dental researcher, identified these areas of dead bone in the human jaw, noting that they often exhibited no fever, pain, or swelling. These cavitations are virtually a petri dish for harmful pathogens and toxins, including Lyme spirochetes, mold, metals, candida, parasites, and more.

Causes of Cavitations:

• Tooth Extractions: Improper healing after tooth extractions is the most common cause of cavitations. The bone and surrounding tissues may not fully regenerate, leaving a void that can become infected. A critical aspect of this is the removal of the periodontal ligament during extractions. If the periodontal ligament is left behind, it prevents the bone from filling in the space, leading to the formation of a cavitation.

• Trauma: Injuries to the jawbone from accidents or dental procedures can lead to the development of cavitations.

• Poor Blood Supply: Conditions that affect blood flow to the jawbone can impede proper healing, increasing the risk of cavitations. This includes long-acting anesthetics that restrict blood flow to the site, which is critical for healing.

• Infections: Pre-existing infections or inadequate cleaning of the extraction site can contribute to the formation of cavitations. This correlates to root canal treated teeth and the presence of the periodontal ligament.

Symptoms and Diagnosis

Symptoms of Cavitations:
Cavitations can cause a range of symptoms, which can often be mistaken for other health issues. Common symptoms include:

• Chronic Pain: Persistent pain in the jaw, face, or even in areas such as the neck and shoulders.

• Neuralgia: Nerve pain or tingling sensations.

• Fatigue: General fatigue and a sense of malaise.

• Systemic Symptoms and Cancer: Infections from cavitations can spread, leading to broader systemic health issues such as immune dysfunction and chronic inflammation. Each tooth is related to an acupuncture meridian, which is connected to various organs, tissues, and glands in the body. This connection is so apparent that an experienced dentist can often assess your overall health and wellness by reviewing your dental condition. If a person has a weak internal organ, the condition of the associated meridian tooth could make it considerably more problematic. Moreover, some studies suggest a link between chronic inflammation caused by dental cavitations and an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer, particularly in the head and neck region.

Diagnosis:
Detecting cavitations requires specialized diagnostic tools and techniques. Standard dental X-rays may not reveal these hidden infections. More advanced imaging techniques, such as cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans, are often used to get a detailed view of the jawbone. Additionally, evaluations with Electroacupuncture According to Voll (EAV) and the Meridian Stress Assessment (MSA) can check for energy flow and the degree of stress on the meridian, aiding in the diagnosis of cavitations.

Treating Cavitations

Surgical Intervention:
The primary treatment for cavitations involves surgical intervention to clean out the infected area. This procedure, known as cavitation surgery or debridement, involves removing the dead bone tissue and disinfecting the area to promote healing. Here’s what you can expect:

• Anesthesia: Local or general anesthesia is used to ensure comfort during the procedure. Using minimal epinephrine in local anesthetics is important to avoid restricting blood flow.

• Debridement, Laser Use, and Ozone Therapy: The surgeon cleans out the infected tissue and removes any necrotic bone. Lasers are often used to help debride and disinfect the area, promoting better healing and reducing bacterial load. Ozone therapy is often used to disinfect the area and stimulate healing.

• Stimulation of Healing: The area is treated with biocompatible materials or medications to encourage proper healing and bone regeneration. This can include bone grafts or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF). PRF involves drawing blood from the patient, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then applying it to the surgical site to enhance healing.

Procaine and Ozone:
Procaine, along with ozone, can also be used locally to reduce the burden of microbes in the area of concern. This treatment is done in place of surgery in smaller cavitations or if treatment needs to be postponed.

Pre and Post-Surgical Care

Proper pre and post-surgical care is crucial for successful healing. Consider implementing the following:

• IV Vitamin C: Administered during procedures to promote tissue regeneration and support overall recovery.

• IV Ozone Therapy: Used to reduce the activation of toxins and pathogens into the bloodstream.

• Nutrient Preparation: Testing vitamin D levels and preparing your body with nutrients to support the healing of bone and tissue.

• Supplementation: Ensuring adequate intake of vitamins and minerals that support bone health, such as calcium, magnesium, vitamin D, vitamin K, boron, manganese, zinc, and potassium.

• Nitric Oxide: Supplementation to increase blood flow through vasodilation.

• Maintaining Excellent Oral Hygiene: Essential for preventing infections and promoting healing.

• Following a Nutrient-Rich Diet: To support bone health and overall recovery.

• Supplements or Medications: To enhance healing as needed, including liver and gallbladder support for the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins.

• Manuka Honey and Bromelain: For post-procedure care.

• PhotoBiomodulation and Red Light Therapy: To support healing and reduce inflammation.

• Homeopathic Remedies: Homeopathic remedies can support healing, nerve damage, and bone regeneration.

Personal Journey: Understanding Cavitation Treatment

Cavitations are more than just a dental issue; they can block energetic meridians that supply energy flow throughout the body, potentially causing issues in the systems that lie along those particular meridians. Recognizing this, I embarked on my journey to address my own dental cavitations. The connection between the wisdom teeth and issues with the liver, heart, and intestines resonated with me deeply, as these are chronic health problems I face or are familial concerns.

To start, we carefully planned the timing of my procedures, allowing my body to adjust to the necessary materials since I am intolerant to 90% of them. The staff performed surgical treatment on one of my cavitations, which had developed after my wisdom teeth were removed 37 years ago. The incomplete healing had left a "septic tank" in my jaw, potentially leading to neurological issues and chronic illnesses. This procedure was done two years ago, and now I need to schedule the other side. Here’s to getting to the root cause of these longstanding issues.

Conclusion

Cavitations are a serious yet often underdiagnosed dental issue that can have significant health implications. Understanding what cavitations are and how to treat them is crucial for maintaining optimal health. If you experience chronic jaw pain or unexplained health issues following a tooth extraction or trauma, it may be worth exploring the possibility of cavitations with a knowledgeable biological dentist.

Stay informed and proactive about your dental health. By addressing cavitations promptly and effectively, you can prevent further complications and improve your overall well-being.

At Evoke Healing, I am passionate about teaching and helping my clients achieve optimal health. By sharing knowledge and providing support, I aim to empower you on your journey to holistic wellness.

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