FDOK / NICO: carefully assessing a suspected, often silent jawbone finding.

They are two names for the same suspected, debated finding. FDOK is the German term - fettig-degenerative Osteonekrose des Kieferknochens, fatty-degenerative osteonecrosis of the jaw. NICO is the term more common in English literature - Neuralgia-Inducing Cavitational Osteonecrosis. Both refer to suspected chronic, often silent areas of poorly healed bone in the jaw, typically at former extraction sites - a concept that mainstream dentistry has not validated as a distinct disease.

Broadly, yes - they are different names for the same suspected finding. FDOK is the German term (fettig-degenerative Osteolyse/Osteonekrose des Kieferknochens), NICO stands for neuralgia-inducing cavitational osteonecrosis, and jawbone cavitation is the everyday term used mainly in the US. The condition itself is debated: proponents such as the IAOMT regard it as a distinct disease, while many mainstream specialists consider it unproven. An assessment therefore combines your history, a clinical examination and 3D CBCT imaging - and the imaging alone is not proof.

Suspected areas are usually painless, and on a conventional two-dimensional X-ray they often look unremarkable because overlapping structures hide them. This is why we rely on three-dimensional CBCT imaging, combined with a careful clinical history and, where indicated, blood analysis of inflammatory markers such as RANTES/CCL5 - which is not a validated diagnostic test for FDOK / NICO. Even together, these findings cannot prove the condition on their own.

Treatment is only considered when there is a well-founded finding, and then follows a meticulous biological protocol. The affected bone is carefully removed under local anaesthesia, the site is disinfected with ozone, and PRF membranes prepared from the patient's own blood are placed to support natural regeneration. Each step is planned in advance from the 3D dataset.

PRF - platelet-rich fibrin - is prepared by spinning a small sample of your own blood. The resulting membrane is rich in your body's own growth factors and contains no foreign additives. Placed in the treated site, it is intended to support the natural healing of bone and soft tissue, which fits the metal-free, biological approach of the practice.

Recovery varies from person to person. The procedure is carried out as gently as possible, and many people can return to their normal activities within a few days. We explain aftercare clearly and remain available for any questions.

There is no flat price, because every jaw is different - the imaging, the number of affected sites and the scope of any biological surgery all vary from person to person. After your 3D scan and a personal examination you receive a written, itemised estimate for your own case, so you can decide with the full picture in front of you before anything begins. For the imaging part, see what drives the cost of a 3D CBCT scan. Reimbursement may be possible through a private (supplementary) dental insurance - please clarify this with your own insurer in advance. You receive a standard invoice, itemised by service. Whether a public health system contributes anything is decided solely by your own insurer or authority; we do not advise on this.

Yes. The practice in Bad Schwartau near Lübeck welcomes English-speaking and international patients. We explain the diagnosis, the imaging findings and every step of treatment in English.