Jaw Cavitations

Tooth extraction seems to be a relatively minor procedure from the viewpoint of conventional dentistry. However, at Paracelsus we see patients who present with jaw cavitations, a common complication of oral surgery. Typically such patients underwent a tooth extraction with a pre-existing inflammatory conditions undetected by their conventional dentist. This inflammation created a perfect environment for infection to flourish. The risk is even higher when the pre-existing inflammation was combined with aggressive surgery and inadequate wound treatment. 

This residual infection, known as a jaw cavitation or neuralgia-inducing cavitational osteonecrosis (NICO) is often found at the sites of wisdom tooth extraction, particularly in patients who are already immuno-suppressed with high levels of inflammation. 

We have patients who come to us specifically for help with their jaw cavitations. We also see patients who come for medical treatment but are unaware that they have a jaw cavitation which contributes to their medical issues and is an obstacle to their healing. In both cases we have to educate the patient about how they developed what is by then a complex dental problem. 

Jaw cavitations indicate a prolonged immunological response to the osteonecrotic changes that occur during surgery, which include the release of cytokines like RANTES. When this immunological response is extended by insufficient surgical care and impaired wound-healing, the prolonged cytokine release results in progressive damage including cellular imbalance, oxidative stress and chronic systemic disease. The immune system sends antibodies to the necrotic non-vital areas, but fails to generate any substantial healing because jaw cavitations are not blood-perfused. This leads to a heightened immune response and increased energy expenditure without any progress or healing, thus perpetuating the body’s inflammatory state.

At Paracelsus, the approach of biological dentistry offers the patient a minimally-invasive removal of jaw cavitations based on comprehensive analysis and testing of the infection sites, including 3D CBCT/DVT (three dimensional cone beam CT and dental volume tomography) scans and Cytokine blood testing. The results of these tests determine the unique treatment that each individual patient will receive, which may include the application of neural therapy, PRGF (plasma rich growth factors) therapy, ozone therapy, and homeopathic remedies. 

The patient’s healing process is further supported by anti-inflammatory detox treatments, build-up infusions, cellular detox treatments specifically formulated for pre- and post-surgical care, and an intestinal flora regeneration program. This holistic approach to surgery, wound care and supplemental healing has proven to be incredibly successful in the treatment of jaw cavitations at Paracelsus, resulting in increased patient satisfaction and long-term dental and overall health.