What is a Cavitation?

What Is A Cavitation

A jawbone cavitation is a term used to describe a problem in the jaw where the bone is poorly mineralized, meaning it hasn’t formed bone properly and isn’t as strong as it should be. In these areas, the bone is often replaced by abnormal or unhealthy tissue instead of normal, healthy bone. 

In studies of jawbone cavitations, researchers have analyzed samples taken from cavitations and have found abnormal tissue. The unhealthy areas may be filled with fat cells, something that isn’t normally found in the jawbone. Additionally, there may be small pockets of inflammation caused by either bacteria or leftover debris from infections. This makes the tissue in these areas clearly abnormal and different from regular, healthy jawbone. These areas can interfere with proper bone formation, weaken the structure of the jaw and may lead to other complications.

When the spongy inner part of the jawbone (called cancellous bone) is weak and lacks mineralization, the outer layers of the jawbone (the cortical bone) sometimes thicken to make up for the lack of strength. Although the jawbone thickens, internal bone tissue is not fixed, indicating that the inner part of the jawbone is unhealthy.

Some practitioners believe these cavitations can cause health problems that affect more than just the mouth. For example, a condition called Neuralgia-Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis (NICO) has been proposed. This theory suggests that cavitations in the jawbone can trigger nerve pain not just in the jaw but also in the face, head, and other parts of the body. This idea is controversial and isn’t widely accepted by mainstream dentists and doctors.

It’s important to note that not everyone in the dental field agrees on what jawbone cavitations are or whether they are a significant health concern. Some believe they might contribute to chronic pain or other health issues, but others are skeptical and argue that more research is needed to fully understand their importance.

In simple terms, a jawbone cavitation is an area in the jaw where the bone hasn’t formed correctly and is replaced by unhealthy tissue. While some people believe these areas can cause pain and other health problems, there is still debate in the medical and dental communities about how serious or common they really are.

Where Do Cavitations Occur?

Cavitations typically occur in the bones of the jaw, which include the upper jaw and the lower jaw. These are areas of the skeleton that are unique because they don’t contain marrow like other bones in the body. There is non-mineralized tissue inside the jawbone’s internal structure. When cavitations occur, abnormal tissue, such as fat cells, fills the interior structure.

Cavitations are most often associated with areas where there has been damage to the bone, such as:

1. After Tooth Extractions:
   Cavitations may be found where a tooth has been pulled without grafting the socket with bone healing material. When a tooth is removed, the bone should fill in the empty space. However, if the healing process doesn’t go as it should—perhaps due to infection, poor blood flow, or retained tissue fragments, a cavitation may form at the extraction site that contains abnormal tissue such as fat cells or inflammation tissue ..
   

2. Around Root Canals:
   Some alternative health practitioners suggest that cavitations may occur from root canal-treated teeth. The theory is that leftover infected or dead tissue in the bone can create a pocket of unhealthy tissue around the tooth, contributing to the formation of a cavitation.
   

3. In Areas with Reduced Blood Flow:
   Poor blood circulation in the jawbone can occur for various reasons. Reduced blood flow can prevent the bone from properly healing or mineralizing after trauma, surgery, or infection.This may contribute to the development of cavitations
   

4. Areas of Previous Trauma or Dental Work:
   Jawbone trauma from falls or car accidents, or invasive dental work, like surgeries or implants, may also increase the risk of cavitations.
   

While cavitations can theoretically form anywhere in the jawbone, they are most commonly reported in the areas of the back molars and wisdom teeth, particularly in the lower jaw (mandible). These areas are often subject to significant clenching and chewing pressure, complex dental procedures, and infections, making them more vulnerable to issues of poor healing like cavitations.

It’s important to note that not all dental professionals agree on how common cavitations are or whether they occur as frequently as some alternative practitioners claim. In mainstream dentistry, cavitations are not typically diagnosed or treated unless there is clear evidence of infection or other issues visible on imaging films, or if they interfere with dental implant placement.

Next Post: How Does A Cavitation Form?