Cavitations

The term cavitation was coined in 1930 by an orthopedic researcher to describe a disease process in which a lack of blood flow into the area produced a hole in the jawbone and other bones in the body.

Dr. G.V. Black, the father of modern dentistry, described this cavitation process as early as 1915 when he described a progressive disease process in the jawbone, which killed bone cells and produced a large cavitation area or areas within the jawbones. He was intrigued by the unique ability of this disease to produce extensive jawbone destruction without causing redness in the gingiva (gums), jaw swelling, or an elevation in the patient's body temperature. Essentially this disease process, which produces osteonecrosis (dead bone) is actually a progressive impairment which produces small blockages (infarctions) of the tiny blood vessels in the jawbones, thus resulting in osteonecrosis, or areas of dead bone. These dead cavitational areas are now called NICO (Neuralgia Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis) lesions. In his book on oral pathology, Dr. Black suggested surgical removal of these dead bone areas.

When dentists speak of cavitations they are speaking of areas of the jawbone where the bone has been infected and the body has attempted to wall off the infection. The end result is a semi-contained “bubble” of infectious bacteria, dead (necrotic) bone material, and other toxins. This toxic sludge will slowly leak out, spreading to other areas of the body and can negatively impact the overall health of the patient. These are all scientific facts that are taught to every medical doctor and dentist that graduates from an accredited medical/dental school in the United States.

Back to top