Cavitations in Dentistry: What They Are and How Holistic Dentists Treat

CAVITATIONS AND JAW HEALTH · LOS ANGELES

Jawbone lesions that conventional dentistry rarely diagnoses and almost never discusses.

Cavitations are areas of ischemic osteonecrosis in the jawbone, meaning tissue that has died due to inadequate blood supply. They often occur at old extraction sites, particularly wisdom tooth sockets, and can persist for years without showing up on standard dental X-rays. Patients with undiagnosed cavitations frequently report chronic facial pain, jaw aching, fatigue, and neurological symptoms that have no clear explanation. At Rite Dentist in Los Angeles, we take cavitations seriously and use advanced diagnostic methods to identify and treat them.

Written by the clinical team at Rite Dentist. Last updated June 2026.

Book a Jaw Health Evaluation

Dr. Babrood - Holistic Dentist Treating Cavitations Los Angeles

Rated 4.9 stars by Los Angeles patients · IAOMT-trained · Advanced 3D cone beam imaging · Biological jawbone health assessment · Serving Valley Village, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, and Silver Lake

What Is a Cavitation and Why Does It Develop?

A cavitation (formally called NICO, or Neuralgia-Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis, or FDOJ, Fatty Degenerative Osteonecrosis of the Jawbone) is a hollow or necrotic area within the jawbone. Unlike a cavity in a tooth, which is bacterial decay on enamel, a cavitation is a problem inside the bone itself.

Cavitations most commonly develop when:

A tooth is extracted and the socket fails to heal completely. This happens when the periodontal ligament is not fully removed during extraction, the blood supply to the area is inadequate, or the patient has clotting disorders, certain medications, or nutritional deficiencies that impair bone regeneration.

The result is dead or dying bone tissue that does not remodel normally. The area can become an inflammatory focus in the body, producing cytokines and toxins that research has linked to chronic pain, immune dysregulation, and systemic symptoms in some patients.

Conventional dentistry does not routinely screen for cavitations. Standard 2D dental X-rays often miss them entirely. This means patients can carry these jawbone lesions for decades without a diagnosis.

How Holistic Dentists Diagnose and Treat Cavitations

Diagnosis with cone beam CT (CBCT). 3D cone beam computed tomography gives a volumetric picture of the jawbone that standard panoramic X-rays cannot match. Changes in bone density, hollow areas, and signs of poor healing that are invisible on a flat X-ray become visible in 3D. CBCT is the primary diagnostic tool used to identify suspected cavitation sites.

Clinical correlation. Imaging findings are interpreted alongside the patient’s history. When did they have extractions? What symptoms have they experienced since? Do they have chronic facial or jaw pain that has never been explained? The combination of CBCT findings and patient history guides the diagnostic picture.

Surgical debridement. When a cavitation is confirmed, treatment involves surgically opening the site, removing the necrotic tissue, and creating conditions for the bone to heal properly. This is done under local anesthesia, often with ozone therapy applied to the site, and with nutritional support protocols to optimize healing.

Post-operative support. Holistic cavitation treatment does not end at surgery. Patients receive guidance on nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle practices that support bone regeneration and systemic recovery. Follow-up imaging confirms healing progression.

Symptoms associated with cavitations
Patients often report chronic jaw or facial pain, trigeminal neuralgia, unexplained fatigue, brain fog, and symptoms that mirror fibromyalgia or chronic Lyme. The challenge is that none of these are specific to cavitations, which is why comprehensive imaging and history-taking matter so much.

Who is most at risk
People with prior wisdom tooth extractions, patients who have taken bisphosphonate medications, people with a history of radiation to the jaw, and those with nutritional deficiencies in vitamin D, vitamin K2, and magnesium are at higher risk of impaired bone healing and cavitation formation.

72%
Of examined extraction sites showed signs of incomplete healing in one IAOMT-affiliated research review, suggesting cavitations may be significantly underdiagnosed

3D
Cone beam imaging reveals jawbone cavitations that standard 2D panoramic X-rays routinely miss — essential for accurate diagnosis

100%
Ozone-assisted surgery — all cavitation debridement at Rite Dentist uses ozone therapy to disinfect and support healing at the site

Frequently Asked Questions: Cavitations in Dentistry

How do I know if I have a cavitation?

You cannot know from symptoms alone. Cavitations do not always cause pain and the symptoms they do cause (jaw aching, fatigue, facial pain, brain fog) are shared by many other conditions. Diagnosis requires CBCT imaging and clinical evaluation. If you have a history of extractions and have experienced unexplained chronic symptoms since those procedures, a jaw health evaluation with 3D imaging is the appropriate starting point.

Are cavitations recognized by mainstream dentistry?

Cavitations are recognized by the IAOMT (International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology) and documented in peer-reviewed literature, though they remain controversial in mainstream dental practice. Many conventional dentists are unfamiliar with the concept or dismiss it. Biological and holistic dentists trained in IAOMT protocols are far more likely to screen for and identify cavitation lesions.

Is cavitation surgery painful?

The procedure is performed under local anesthesia, so there is no pain during the surgery. Post-operative soreness is typical and managed with anti-inflammatory protocols. We provide detailed aftercare instructions including dietary guidelines, supplements to support bone healing, and information on activity restrictions during the recovery period.

How long does recovery take after cavitation surgery?

Most patients return to normal activities within a few days and experience significant improvement within two to four weeks. Full bone healing takes longer. We use follow-up CBCT imaging at three to six months to confirm that the treated site is remineralizing appropriately. Nutritional support for bone regeneration continues throughout the healing window.

Can ozone therapy help with cavitation healing?

Yes. Ozone has powerful antimicrobial and tissue-stimulating properties. We apply it directly to the cavitation site during surgery to eliminate any residual bacteria and stimulate healing at the cellular level. Ozone therapy at the surgical site is a standard part of our cavitation treatment protocol.

Does insurance cover cavitation treatment?

Coverage varies by plan and provider. Because cavitations are not widely recognized in conventional dentistry, many insurance plans do not specifically cover cavitation surgery. We provide detailed documentation to support any insurance claims and can discuss financing options to make treatment accessible. Contact our office for a full breakdown of costs and coverage for your specific situation.

Unexplained Pain Deserves a Real Explanation

If you have had extractions and experienced health changes since, a biological jawbone evaluation at Rite Dentist in Los Angeles is your next step.