WHAT IS CAVITATION?

The term, “cavitations,” is a relatively new one in the dental dialogue. Most patients have not heard of cavitations, and most dentists probably do not yet know much about them.

Cavitation is a hole in the bone, usually where a tooth has been removed, and the bone has not filled incorrectly. It is an area of osteonecrosis (dead bone). When a tooth is extracted, the surrounding periodontal membrane is usually left behind. After a tooth has been removed, the body eventually fills in the bone where the tooth once was. But when the membrane is left behind, incomplete healing can take place; a hole or a spongy place remains inside the jaw bone. Experts speculate that this incomplete healing occurs because the bone cells on both sides of the extraction site sense the presence of the periodontal membrane and “think” that the tooth is still there.

Cavitation can form in any bone in the body, not just in the jawbones. There are other reasons for the formation of cavitations. These reasons may include, among others, localized traumas, poor circulation to the area, clotting disorders, the use of steroids, and, for whatever reason, the individual’s ability to heal properly.

The membrane left behind after the extraction of a tooth can form an image that appears to be a shadow of a tooth when an X-ray is taken of that site. This image may indicate cavitation. Most dentists are aware of this phantom tooth image, but they do not recognize it as a site of potential problems.

Cavitation Causes

Blockage to bone cells can lead to a severe significant issue known as cavitations.

Common causes include:

1. The most common cause is improperly extracting a wisdom tooth or teeth.
2. Bone penetration from a tooth abscess
3. Long-standing infection near or in the bone socket or root canal
4. Untreated infection at the root canal or bone socket
5. Using too much heat on the bone during a dental procedure
6. Bone pressure elevation
7. Using Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) in excess
8. Severe Jawbone injury, including trauma
9. Dry socket

NICO

Specialists have recognized cavitations as a possible cause of chronic facial pain and termed them “NICO” (Neuralgia-Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis). Often this is the overlooked factor in trigeminal neuralgia, as well as other kinds of facial pain.

Risk factors associated with NICO and cavitations include:

1. Periodontal disease (gum disease)
2. Continuous alcohol consumption
3. Chronic smoking hinders bone healing
4. Genetic clotting disorders and other mutations
5. Osteoporosis and low dosage treatment (bisphosphonates)
6. Radiation treatment for cancer
7. Hiv Infection

The fundamental trigger of cavitation is reduced blood flow. A contributing factor to decreased blood flow can result from genetic changes such as the lack of production of nitric oxide. Referred to as NO, when there is a decrease in production brought on by genetics, it affects the blood vessels by increasing blood pressure and simultaneously decreasing blood flow.

There is still active research on the complete understanding of cavitations. However, the underlying truth remains when there is a drop in blood being supplied bone cells die.

Cavitations Affect Overall Body Health

Cavitation is a problem that brings about further issues. When necrosis, the death of bone cells, happens, it also serves as an environment for toxins and bacteria. Harbored bacteria lead to infection and immune deterioration. As a result, your body's overall health suffers.

These harmful bacteria can trigger long term effects by triggering immune reactions that become chronic and result in a chronic inflammatory condition, and causes the immune system to begin attacking itself.

Autoimmune diseases commonly found include IBF(inflammatory Bowel Disease), lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriasis.

Blood Flow interruption to the bone cell is connected to other serious diseases (risk factors and symptoms)

1. Lyme Disease
2. Pancreatitis
3. Gaucher's disease
4. Sickle Cell Disease
5. Heart disease

Considering that dental cavitation can ultimately create a variety of different types of immune responses, it can become challenging to diagnose cavitations.

Treatments

The primary treatment of dental cavitations is cavitation cleanout - removing toxins, infected bone tissues, cysts, dangerous bacteria, and abscesses.

Another dental treatment option is ozone therapy. This approach is highly effective in flushing out bacteria and toxins found in the cavitations, and it is also successful at combating antibiotic-resistant bacteria strains.

When a dental surgeon performs a cavitation surgery, the process is completed by inserting a slight incision in the gum. The toxic tissue is removed, and the cavitation is cleaned as well. While this is an option among cavitation treatments, some experts often prefer it as the first approach when dealing with dental cavities in the jawbone.

All Natural Dentistry takes a noninvasive approach to dental cavitation treatment. Our noninvasive procedures are performed with innovative technology, BIOLASE, and are precise in ridding dental cavitations of pain-inflicting toxins and bacteria. This laser-based treatment is an advanced approach to outdated dental methods, which historically have caused patient anxiety.

PREVENTION

The most effective preventative approach for dental cavitations is knowledge. While it's a common occurrence, unawareness is equally uncommon, and understanding how it can harm the entire body's health.

Cavitation prevention starts with daily oral hygiene routines such as brushing and flossing twice a day. Patients should also schedule regular cleanings at your dental office, typically twice a year.

Additionally, experts have found that dentists should avoid a local anesthetic called epinephrine during cavitation procedures. It is a vasoconstrictor that can result in reduced blood flow.

All Natural Dentistry specializes in total and complete dental care. However, they also focus on full-body health in regards to how dental care and preventative maintenance can affect overall body health.

LONG-TERM OUTLOOK

A 2006 study by Columbia University College of Dental Medicine revealed a 21% decrease in associated costs of significant oral conditions when there is an improvement in oral health.

Many people are not directly familiar with dental cavitations. The study supports the notion that if individuals know more, they can begin to work toward improving their dental health long term.

Dental cavitations long-term adversely affect overall health. If you believe you may have cavitation, contact All Natural Dentistry immediately to schedule an evaluation. We are committed to your total health!