Cavitations: Hidden Infections
Areas of retained infection and inflammation in the jawbone after tooth extraction. Most are silent, but they can be the originating cause of chronic diseases throughout the body.
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Different bacteria species found in cavitation samples
Types of bacteria in individual cavitation samples
Cavitation samples tested by TERF
Most cavitations produce no symptoms
What Are Cavitations?
Cavitations, formally known as osteonecrosis of the jawbone or NICO (Neuralgia-Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis), are areas of dead, infected bone tissue in the jaw. They typically form after a tooth extraction, when the socket fails to heal properly.
When a tooth is extracted, the body should naturally fill the socket with healthy new bone. However, if the periodontal ligament is left behind, or if the socket is not properly cleaned, the area may not receive adequate blood supply. Over time, the bone dies, creating a hollow space, a cavitation, where anaerobic bacteria thrive.
Most cavitations produce no pain and go completely undetected, but they can silently compromise your immune system and spread infection throughout your body.
Causes of Cavitations
Improper Extraction
When a tooth is extracted without proper cleaning of the socket, the periodontal ligament and diseased tissue may remain, preventing full healing.
Compromised Blood Supply
If the socket doesn't heal with healthy bone, the area becomes ischemic, starved of blood flow, leading to necrotic (dead) bone.
Bacterial Colonization
The necrotic bone becomes a breeding ground for anaerobic bacteria, which produce toxins that can spread systemically.
Root Canal Teeth
Extracted root canal teeth are particularly prone to developing cavitations, as the surrounding bone may already be compromised.
How to Know If You Have a Cavitation
The challenge with cavitations is that they are usually silent. Most produce no pain and are invisible on standard dental X-rays. However, there are some signs that may indicate their presence.
Usually no pain, most cavitations are silent
Facial pain or jaw discomfort (in some cases)
Trigeminal neuralgia or atypical facial pain
Chronic sinus issues related to upper jaw
Fatigue or immune system suppression
Unexplained systemic symptoms
How Cavitations Are Treated
Standard X-rays cannot detect cavitations. A biological dentist uses advanced imaging and surgical protocols to identify and treat these hidden infections.
CBCT (3D cone beam) imaging to locate cavitations
Surgical debridement of necrotic bone tissue
Removal of retained periodontal ligament remnants
Ozone therapy to disinfect the surgical site
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) to support bone regeneration
Nutritional support for optimal healing
Post-surgical monitoring and follow-up imaging
The Splinter Analogy
Think of a cavitation like a splinter in your finger. If you have a splinter, the area cannot heal until the splinter is removed. But if you keep stabbing that splinter back into the wound, it will never heal.
Likewise, your immune system cannot heal your body as long as hidden infections, like cavitations, exist in your jawbone. The bacteria continuously produce toxins that travel through your bloodstream, lymph, and nerve pathways to other parts of your body.
A healthy body depends on a healthy mouth. Removing these hidden "splinters" is essential for whole-body healing.
Concerned About Cavitations?
A biological dentist trained in cavitation surgery can evaluate your jawbone health using advanced 3D imaging.