Understanding Jaw Bone Cavitations

What are Jaw Bone Cavitations?

Jawbone cavitations, also known as Fatty Degenerative Osteonecrosis of the Jaw (FDOJ) or Neuralgia-Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis (NICO) lesions, are areas in the jawbone where healing has not occurred properly after a tooth extraction or other dental procedures. Instead of regenerating healthy bone tissue, the area may develop soft, fatty tissue and dead bone cells, leading to chronic inflammation. These cavitations are most commonly found in sites of previous tooth extractions, particularly wisdom teeth, but can also occur around root canal-treated teeth or areas lacking teeth.

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How can I tell if I have a cavitation?

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Diagnosing cavitations can be challenging, as they often don't present obvious symptoms. However, advanced imaging techniques like 3D cone-beam CT scans can help identify these lesions. Patients may experience symptoms such as facial pain, headaches, or unexplained fatigue. In many cases, patients report a significant improvement in symptoms following the surgical removal of cavitations.

Impact of Overall Health

Cavitations can place the body in a state of chronic stress, potentially leading to a range of systemic health issues, including:

• Chronic fatigue syndrome

• Adrenal weakness

• Cardiovascular problems

• Autoimmune diseases

• Digestive disorders

• Skin conditions

• Allergies

• Weight gain

• Lyme disease symptoms

These conditions may be linked to the chronic inflammation and toxin accumulation associated with cavitations.

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What are the treatment options?

The most effective treatment for jawbone cavitations is the surgical removal of the affected tissue. This minimally invasive procedure involves cleaning out the necrotic bone and applying therapies such as ozone, scraping the bone well, laser, PRF, melatonin and metronidazole and bone graft material to promote healing. Antibiotics alone are generally ineffective due to the lack of blood flow in the affected area.

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Schedule a Consultation using Cone Beam CT Technology

If you're experiencing unexplained facial pain, fatigue, or other chronic health issues, it's essential to consider all potential underlying causes. Dr. Carlie Amore specializes in identifying and treating jawbone cavitations using a holistic approach. Contact our office today to schedule a comprehensive evaluation and take the first step toward improved health.