You probably already know that  the prospect of having a root canal can be to most people a nerve wrenching experience. Furthermore teeth treated with root canals tend to get reinfected and/or fracture because they are mummified teeth. But did you realize that when you choose to have a tooth extracted instead of a root canal you are still at a high risk of developing bone infections because of the toxins released by bacteria that are trapped or improperly cleaned out at the time of extraction? This happens when people have had tooth extractions and more so when they have had their wisdom teeth taken out, or have suffered a variety of other abscesses, injuries to the teeth and jaw. As early as 1920, G.V. Black commonly referred to as the “father of modern dentistry” had observed, studied and written about these bone infections and lesions.  This is not to say that everyone undergoing the above will ultimately develop health issues as a result, but evidence is mounting that a huge percentage of us are at risk.

The Culprit

Ultimately the perpetrator is bacteria … bacteria that were not neutralized or adequately flushed out after an oral surgery or extraction. Once trapped inside the post-surgery cavity these bacteria can incubate for years, leaking toxic residue into the blood stream and causing a host of health issues, both local to the jaw by affecting its blood supply and other areas of the body. In addition to bacteria, sometimes this area will host other harmful elements including viruses, fungus and parasites. In other words, when a root canal is performed on a tooth, bacteria from within that tooth can produce very strong chemicals that are highly neurotoxic. Similarly when after an extraction the bone is not properly cleaned and treated, the bacteria around the tooth or even from the mouth can be trapped in bone and eventually release toxins. Research has shown these toxins can then combine with chemicals or heavy metals, such as mercury, and form even more potent toxins. These neurotoxins can over time be released into the bloodstream where they destroy many otherwise critically important enzymes within the body.

This scenario happens under what dentists consider the normal extraction situation; the tooth is removed but the ligament that holds the tooth in place is left behind, and consequently toxins remain within the ligament, infect and destroy the bone and eventually slowly seep into the body, potentially creating chronic health issues.

Worst Case Scenario

You might think it’s bad enough to think about having neurotoxic bacteria, fungus and other unsavory creatures swimming in the open spaces between your teeth and gums, but there actually is one thing worse; cavitations. Now, cavitations are exactly what they sound like they are; a hollowed out area or hole – and in this case, a cavern occurs when all too active bacteria has successfully departed the original post-surgical site and has somehow begun to impress itself into the actual jawbone. Every additional hole created by this process is filled with decaying bone and tissue that leaves behind an ever greater potential for bacteria (and their unsavory cohorts and associated neurotoxins) to flourish and grow. Eventually this caustic soup of poison leaks into the blood stream where it can cause or exaggerate other existing health issues in the body.

How do you know if you have a cavitation?

Although cavitations can go undetected for years in an otherwise healthy person, jaw pain sometimes occurs in patients suffering from bone lesions and sometimes jaw pain will manifest after a sinus infection, which can then also lead to the discovery of a cavitation. But it seems that the vast majority of people seeking to discover whether or not they have cavitations are those also suffering from other chronic health issues. It is the overriding health condition that has brought them back to the dentist seeking ways to cut down on potential toxins flowing into the bloodstream

The first step in successfully diagnosing cavitations can be made using a variety of diagnostic tools which can include CAT scans and MRI’s but since these methods expose a patient to undesirable levels of radiation, they aren’t the optimal tools for detection. The best method of detection is often through a ConeBeam Cat Scan (CBCT) and applied kineseology (AK) or muscle testing.

Treatment

Once properly diagnosed, treatment for a cavitation commonly starts by surgically removing any dead bone, tissue and other debris. Additional treatment options include the use of lasers and ozone treatments as well as probiotics and other natural products/techniques. Once applied, these methods help to create a clean and sterile environment that promotes healing at the site, and ultimately throughout the body.

Additional information: INCIDENCE LEVELS AND CHRONIC HEALTH EFFECTS RELATED TO CAVITATIONS