What is a jawbone cavitation?
A jawbone cavitation, also known as NICO (Neuralgia-Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis), is an area of necrotic (dead or dying) bone tissue within the jaw. These areas typically develop at the sites of previous tooth extractions where the bone has failed to heal completely, leaving a hollow pocket within the jawbone.
Cavitations can harbour bacteria, toxins, and inflammatory mediators. In some patients, they are associated with localised pain, facial neuralgia, or systemic symptoms including chronic fatigue, immune challenges, and neurological complaints.
How do we diagnose cavitations?
Cavitations are often invisible on standard 2D dental X-rays, which is one reason they frequently go undiagnosed. At ndu Clinic, we use 3D cone-beam CT scanning, which provides detailed cross-sectional images of the jawbone and can reveal areas of reduced bone density that indicate a cavitation.
We combine imaging findings with your clinical history, symptoms, and other diagnostic information to determine whether a cavitation is likely to be contributing to your concerns.
How do we treat cavitations?
When treatment is indicated, the approach typically involves careful surgical cleaning (curettage) of the affected area. This removes the necrotic bone tissue and any accumulated bacteria or toxins. The goal is to create conditions that allow healthy new bone to regenerate in the treated area.
Dr. Goran Stojanovic assesses each case individually, considering the cavitation's location, extent, and the patient's overall health, to determine the most appropriate treatment approach.
Why does this matter for overall health?
In biological dentistry, cavitations are considered a potential source of chronic, low-grade infection and immune activation. Because the necrotic tissue sits within the bone, the body's normal immune defences may struggle to fully resolve the issue without intervention. For patients with unexplained systemic symptoms, investigating possible jawbone cavitations can be an important part of a thorough health assessment.