Cavitations — The Silent Killer

You probably already know that having a root canal can be a traumatic experience, but did you realize that by having a root canal, you are automatically put into the category of people who could suffer long term, and none too pleasant effects from the procedure? The same holds true for people who have had tooth extractions, had their wisdom teeth taken out, or have suffered a variety of other abcesses, injuries to the teeth and jaw. 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

A cavitation is an infected hole in your jaw bone

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 and other areas of the body. In addition to bacteria, sometimes this area will host other harmful elements including viruses, fungi and parasites. In other words, when a root canal is performed on a tooth, bacteria from within that tooth may produce very strong chemicals that are highly neurotoxic. 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 can happen 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 the area isn’t properly cleaned, and consequently toxins remain within the ligament that slowly seep into the body, potentially creating chronic health issues and other symptoms most doctors can’t diagnose (such as fibromyalgia, heart issues, endocrine issues, neurological issues, among others).

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 (also called osteomyelitis, osteonecrosis, or a “hole in the bone”). 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 a unique ultrasound device developed specifically for this purpose called a Cavitat, CAT scans and MRI’s. The best method of detection is through a ConeBeam CT 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 www.thenaturalrecoveryplan.com/docs/research_docs/2010.07.28.03.27_Cavitations.pdf

FDA Classifies Dental Amalgam Fillings as Class II (Moderate Risk)

Today (Tuesday, July 28th, 2009) the FDA “issued a final regulation classifying dental amalgam and its component parts – elemental mercury and a powder alloy—used in dental fillings. While elemental mercury has been associated with adverse health effects at high exposures, the levels released by dental amalgam fillings are not high enough to cause harm in patients. The regulation classifies dental amalgam into Class II (moderate risk).” (http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm173992.htm)

Moments later, the ADA issued a press release stating it agrees with the FDA’s decision.

So what does this mean for you? It means that dental amalgam fillings (often referred to as mercury fillings or silver fillings) will still be used in most dental offices despite the potential long term health risks to patients and workers alike.

“But if there are potential long term health risks, why didn’t the FDA ban the fillings?”

Dental Amalgam (Mercury) Fillings are FDA Class II

Good question. In fact, the FDA acknowledged the risks associated with mercury fillings when they issued their decision. However, they decided that the risk didn’t outweigh the difficulties of banning the fillings.

“Dental amalgam contains elemental mercury. It releases low levels of mercury vapor that can be inhaled.” (http://www.fda.gov/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DentalProducts/DentalAmalgam/ucm171094.htm)

The FDA admits that dental amalgam fillings release low levels of mercury vapors. Because Mercury is a heavy metal, low levels of mercury vapors have been proven to accumulate in the body. Over time, that low level surpasses the “safe” amount of mercury specified by the FDA and can cause long term chronic health and neurological problems.

The bottom line? Politics have once again stood in the way of science and have put the public at risk for health problems.

The good news? You still have a choice. It’s actually quite similar to bans on smoking in public places: in states that still allowing smoking in restaurants, you have the choice to eat at another restaurant to avoid the health issues associated with second hand smoke. In the case of dental amalgam fillings (and the mercury vapor present in dental offices that place the fillings), you can choose to visit a dentist that doesn’t work with mercury.

While the classification by the FDA is a defeat in the fight against mercury, you still have options. And by choosing a mercury-free dentist, you are making the biggest stand of all.

Dr. Marvin

PS: If you’d like to read the entire classification of Dental Amalgam by the FDA, click here: http://www.fda.gov/downloads/MedicalDevices/ProductsandMedicalProcedures/DentalProducts/DentalAmalgam/UCM174024.pdf.

PPS: The FDA did today reclassify the mercury component of dental amalgam fillings from Class I (low risk) to Class II (moderate risk).