Cavitation

What is a cavitation

A cavitation is a poorly healing lesion in the jaw bone, which is typically in an area of unhealed extraction sites, like a wisdom tooth. A common cause is the lack of adequate blood flow to the area. Cavitation is most commonly known as “ischemic bone disease” or “sites of alternate healing,” which truly defines the pathologic healing pattern as either an active infection or abnormal tissue growth in the bone of the maxilla or mandible. These lesions are voids in the jaw bone at the site of a previous extraction that contain remnants of necrotic (dead) bone with toxins; typically filled with fungi, bacteria and viruses.

Symptoms:

Research has shown that over time, this breeding ground filled with toxins may cause various overall health-related issues such as phantom dental pain, chronic fatigue, digestive problems, breast pain, thyroid issues, heart issues, general feeling of malaise, other chronic health problems and blockages on the body’s energy meridians. Many dentists are not trained to spot this issue, so it often goes undiagnosed for years.

How do we treat cavitations? 

Prior to treatment of a cavitation, the area of concern must be identified. Dr. Fotek uses a low radiation 3D cone beam CBCT to identify areas in your bone where these lesions, and any neighboring vital anatomical structures such as nerves, would be affected. Dr. Fotek will be looking for areas that harbor bacteria and will present as a radiolucent hollow bone mass on the CBCT.    

Cavitation treatment is not as invasive as one may imagine. Dr. Fotek will use a piezo machine, which selectively removes dead bone leaving vital tissues intact. The area will then be disinfected with a laser which specifically seeks out infections and kill the pathogens.  This process will allow your bone to regenerate. To complete the process, the cavitation will be irrigated with ozone saline, and the void will be filled with platelet rich fibrin (PRF).

Before Dr. Fotek begins your cavitation treatment, you will want to adjust your medication such as Vitamin C or blood thinners, so they do not interfere with the procedure and your comfort.

Following the procedure, a Vitamin C IV infusion will promote healing, but this will be discussed with your health professional.