Ignorance has proven itself a mighty hindrance for better wellness when it comes to oral health. In fact, experts in Biological Dentistry have been aiming to establish awareness about long-term obstacles to promote overall health for a long time, but the unfortunate reality remains the same when it comes to cavitations.

Because the patient feels little or no discomfort during its onset, cavitations often go unnoticed. However, this doesn’t mean that it is not a serious condition. In fact, specialists like Dr. Gerry Curatola consider this as a “silent killer” not only because it is a condition more serious than the usual cavity, but also because it can lead to numerous complications.

Understanding Cavitations

After hearing the term, many are bound to scratch their heads as very few people understand what cavitation is. Based on an article published in the National Journal of Maxillofacial Surgery’s official website, cavitation is very different from a cavity in the sense that while both are holes, they are found in two different areas.

Cavities are holes in the teeth that cause bad breath and discomfort. Cavitations, on the other hand, are holes in the bone. Taking these definitions into consideration, the latter is obviously much serious than the former. However, people tend to pay more attention to cavities than cavitations as the former is more visible and can easily be detected.

But like high blood pressure, cavitations are potentially deadly despite being invisible to the naked eye. In fact, some medical conditions have been linked to this condition, including a migraine, anemia, hyperthyroid, hypertension, appendicitis, arthritis, asthma, arteriosclerosis, and bronchitis. Colitis, diabetes, cystitis, eczema, epilepsy, endocarditis, and gallbladder problems among others are also linked to them.

Cause of Cavitations

Cavitations are holes in bones that usually occur in the part of the jawbone where wisdom teeth grow in. These holes appear like cesspools that contain dead bone, medically known as “necrotic bones,” as well as harmful microorganisms like viruses, fungi, and bacteria. Sometimes, these holes also contain mercury.

According to dentistry studies, they appear when a tooth is extracted from the jawbone. While it is not a common occurrence as most people’s bones heal on their own after tooth extractions because of specialized cells called “osteoblast,” cavitation poses very real dangers.

The jawbone and teeth are attached by a periodontal ligament comprised of many microscopic fibers that break midway during tooth extractions. This then leaves a hole in the bone which supposedly gets filled up by osteoblasts.

In some cases, however, osteoblasts fail to fill the gap left from the tooth extraction because of fibers from the periodontal ligament left in the extraction site. These fibers cover up the socket, making it impossible for the osteoblast to do their job and results to an infected cavitation. After getting infected, blood supply is cut from the area where the cavitation is present, causing necrosis or tissue death.

Cavitation Treatment

Cavitation treatment mostly involves conducting surgeries on the affected area to expose and clean the dead bone. However, some holistic dentists consider this procedure to be a moot effort since it is virtually impossible to remove all cavitations in the body as it is like a mine shaft that is linked to a series of tunnels that come and go in almost every direction.

Because of this, specialists go for a more holistic approach by combining homeopathic remedies. Rejuvenation Dentistry in New York City offers services that are necessary for this kind of condition, including mercury removal, aside from the usual restorative procedures like installing crowns and bridges as well as implants. Preventive procedures are also available to avoid cavitations even before it sets in.