Some people who have had a tooth extracted experience “phantom pain” – like the extracted tooth is still there and still hurts! Sometimes, they may feel pain in a tooth next to an extraction site for what seems like no reason at all.
X-rays, CAT scans and even MRIs rarely show anything amiss, and the common conclusion is usually “nerve damage”. And even though the phenomenon of cavitations has been in the dental literature for decades, very few dentists are familiar with this condition and how to treat it.
What is a cavitation?
The term “cavitation” refers to a “hole” in the bone, typically where a tooth has been previously extracted or near the roots of existing root canal teeth. It may be the result of a recent extraction or one performed decades earlier, but it is often the consequence of an extraction site not healing properly.
How do cavitations happen?
Improper cleaning of the extraction site can easily create cavitations. Teeth are held in the socket by ligaments. If these ligaments are not removed during the extraction the bone may not fill in properly, leaving a hole in the jawbone. When this happens, the healing process is disrupted and a caviation can appear.
Why are cavitations so harmful?
Inside cavitation holes, bacteria can flourish and produce debilitating toxins. The latest research has proven these toxins to be highly neurotoxic, which means they can affect the basic functioning of essential bodily systems. These toxins do this by inhibiting protein and enzyme absorption and therefore disturbing cellular function, and contributing to, or inducing disease.
Any infection in your mouth is to be taken very seriously, because the distance between the infection and the brain is very small. Cavitations can lead to osteonecrosis or dead bone material in the jaw. Patients can experience nerve pain most often in the head, neck and face, but also throughout the body.
Since cavitations don’t always appear on x-rays, we recommend Electrodermal Screening (EAV) in addition to a panoramic radiographic survey. EAV can test whether or not your body is dealing with a chronic infection. Cavitations can block the body’s energy meridians – exerting a far-reaching impact. Such blockages (and their locations) can be revealed through Electro-Dermal Screening.
What do I do if I think I have a cavitation?
The recommended treatment for most cavitations is cavitation surgery, which clears away any dead tissue left behind from an extraction, and cleans and sterilizes the area affected. Complementary at-home therapies will also be prescribed.
If you are concerned about cavitations and would like to be evaluated further by one of our doctors, make an appointment to visit our office.
