Re: ENT

That's a new one for me. I'll have to look into that... cavitat machine.

The following is an excerpt from the web page. I suggest reading it all.

"Diagnosis of Cavitations
Diagnosis – the first step in successfully treating cavitations (NICO). Currently, a diagnosis is made using a panoramic type x-ray ( 2D or 3D).  This large x-ray produces an image of the upper jaw, lower jaw, teeth and sinuses. A panoramic x-ray does not always detect early stages of osteonecrosis in the bone, but many lesions can be seen on this type of x-ray.

Diagnostic Blocks
A relatively simple technique used to locate and confirm the presence of a NICO lesion.  Here a few drops of non-vasoconstrictive anesthetic is injected into the gum tissue over a suspected site.  Several minutes are allowed to pass and the pain pattern is evaluated for change.  By doing this slowly and sequentially one can gain a greater awareness of the condition and location of the source lesion.

Occurrence of Cavitations/NICO – the CAVITAT^TM
Bob Jones, the inventor of the CAVITAT^TM (an ultrasound instrument designed to detect and image cavitations) has scanned several thousand sites where wisdom teeth had been previously extracted. He reported finding cavitations of various sizes and severity in approximately 94% of these sites. He reported finding cavitations under or located near 100% of root canal filled teeth scanned in both males and females of various ages from several geographic areas of the United States.

Preparation – Oral
Once the diagnosis is made and the need for surgical treatment determined, the patients need to be prepared. Naturally, the oral cavity is the most germ-laden area of the body. Plaque, calculus, or periodontal disease only increases the severity of the problem. Prior to surgery the patient’s mouth, including the teeth, gums and tongue need to be as clean as possible. This may require a professional hygiene appointment at a dental office and diligent home care including brushing, flossing, rinsing, irrigating, and tongue scraping. Oral care products containing fluoride, alcohol, and sodium lauryl sulfate should be avoided.

Preparation – Systemic
There are several products, including enzymes, homeopathic lymphatic drainage remedies, natural antimicrobials, and healing nutrients that may provide nutritional and systemic support prior to and after the surgery. In some cases, limited antibiotics may be needed. It is important that all body detoxification pathways are open and functioning well; bowels, kidneys, skin, lungs, and especially the lymphatics. Electrolyte balance is important for detoxification, healing, and ease in administering IV sedation.

Sedation
Oral sedation, Audio Analgesia (MillCalm) or Intravenous (IV) sedation, can be important in the surgical procedure, especially in the removal of a large or extensive cavitation/ (NICO) lesions, involving the alveolar nerve or the sinuses.  MillCalm is the preferred route to deep relaxation as it is the healthiest.   Through oral or IV administration, patients receive medication to make them relaxed. This conscious sedation allows the patient to respond to the surgeon’s requests or instructions. This is not the same as general anesthesia. Conscious sedation helps the procedure pass more quickly and painlessly. The surgical procedure is more comfortable for the patients and easier for the surgeon. Blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen saturation are continually monitored. Oxygen and EKG monitoring should be available. The surgeon’s instructions must be followed and a responsible adult who can transport them following the procedure must accompany the patient.

Surgical Procedure
After the patient is relaxed or sedated, local anesthetic is administered. A local anesthetic without vasoconstrictor is preferred, because it is the least toxic and least damaging.   Additionally, homeopathic antibiotics and pain interrupters are administered.   An incision in the gum and bone is performed.  Once access is gained then specimens are removed for biopsy.

At times it is necessary to remove an avital or root canal tooth. The instruments and procedures are used to help prevent contamination of the open bone area and to remove the necrotic (dead), osteomyelitic (infected) and toxic bone. This can be a slow and tedious process, especially when the necrotic bone surrounds the alveolar nerve or extends into the sinuses.

After the necrotic bone is removed, the surgical site is irrigated with various solutions to aid in the removal of bacteria and toxins. To assist with bone regeneration, platelet rich fibrin alone or in conjunction with bone regenerative material can be placed in the surgical site. The area is closed with special sutures that help prevent bacterial growth. If there is extensive bone damage, a bone regenerative material and/or resorbable membrane to guide new bone growth may be placed.

Post Surgery
During and following surgery, intravenous vitamin C (IV-C) can assist with healing, cleaning up toxic materials and bacteria released into the bloodstream and detoxifying local anesthetics and IV medications.  We provide this service or will coordinate  with a nearby holistic physician. Tenderness and soreness generally occur in the area of the surgery and can be controlled with pain medication. Some swelling and bruising may occur. The area may ache during the healing process. We recommend liquid diet the first day and soft foods the first week. Salt water and/or antimicrobial rinses (silver hydrosol), and continued oral hygiene are important. Sutures are removed 7-10 days after the surgery. If any indication of infection (swelling, fever, increasing pain) occurs, the surgeon should be contacted immediately. The number of areas treated during one surgery depends on the number of lesions to be treated and the individual.

http://www.milldental.com/our-services/jawbone-cavitations/

Also this may not apply to you, but you stated the you have reservations about ENT's. Just a suggestion to check before the ENT.