Ozone
The role of Ozone in Dentistry
Ozone therapy has been used for a long time, mainly to treat infections in surgery, dermatology, cosmetics, and dentistry. This element stimulates blood circulation and immune response, and its application is highly safe, with no side effects, unlike most drugs, including antibiotics.
In dentistry, ozone has advantages associated with supporting conventional treatment, such as dental caries, gum procedures or devitalization.
As an additional therapy, ozone therapy is minimally invasive and is a biological treatment modality with numerous benefits for the patient.
The properties of ozone
Ozone has significant antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi and viruses, which is particularly useful in Oral Health treatments. We highlight the following characteristics of ozone:
- Anti-microbial effect – ozone has the ability to fight bacteria that are highly resistant to antibiotics without damaging the cells of the human body;
- Immunostimulant action – the administration of ozone is extremely useful for immunological activation in patients with a low state or immunological deficit;
- Anti-inflammatory and analgesic action – Ozone can improve local blood circulation, which is beneficial in reducing inflammation and pain;
- Anti-hypoxic action – ozone improves the oxygen supply in the blood, acting as a super oxygenator and helping the body in the natural healing process.
The ozone applications in Dentistry
The bacteria are the cause of many oral health problems. Therefore, it is necessary to have a powerful agent to eliminate these oral health enemies effectively. Given its characteristics, ozone is extremely useful in a wide variety of treatments, such as the following:
Treatment of dental caries
Ozone has emerged as a new method for preventing and treating dental caries lesions, interrupting or reversing them without pain and the need for anaesthesia. In this case, it is used in surface decays, which are easily accessible.
The use of the ozone technique in the treatment of dental caries sterilises dental lesions and allows remineralisation of the tooth when combined with a traditional therapy approach.
Still, more evidence is needed on its application as a primary therapy or viable alternative to current methods.
Periodontal disease control
Both dental caries and periodontal disease are caused and enhanced mainly by the bacteria present in the bacterial plaque. Ozone can be helpful in the control of infections and a complement to conventional treatment due to its powerful ability to inactivate microorganisms.
Furthermore, the agglomeration of bacteria makes the action of antibiotics difficult in periodontal disease. Generally, a higher concentration of antibiotics is required to control the microorganisms associated with adverse toxic effects on the teeth and adjacent tissues, such as the gums and bone.
Local application of ozone may serve as a potential atraumatic and antimicrobial agent to treat periodontal disease non-surgically, both for the patient’s and the Periodontologist’s care, being a good tool during supportive periodontal therapy.
Help with devitalization
Devitalization relies on chemical irrigants that reach the root canals of the teeth to disinfect hard-to-reach areas. Ozone can be used in this procedure and is effective against microorganisms present in this type of lesion associated with the tooth root. However, it does not replace the need for conventional irrigants.
Improves whitening and reduces tooth sensitivity
For teeth that have changed color and are not vital, ozone can be used to whiten them. In specific situations, the whitener is placed on the inside of the treated tooth and the crown is irradiated with ozone, resulting in a good aesthetic result.
In addition, ozone is associated with a reduction in post-bleaching tooth sensitivity.
Healing after tooth extraction
Ozone has the ability to speed up healing as well as control opportunistic infections. It also reduces healing time after extraction by forming a membrane over the socket and protecting it from aggression.
In addition, ozone can be used successfully to treat impaired wound healing after radiotherapy treatment.
The relationship with prostheses
The bacterial plaque that accumulates on dentures is made up of various microorganisms. Its control is essential for the prevention of dental stomatitis. This can be controlled by applying ozonized oil topically to the surface of the gums and mucosa and to the surface of the prosthesis.
The disinfectant action of ozone is also used to clean dentures.
Improves the placement of dental implants
When ozone therapy is used on dental implants, improvements can be seen in the prevention of infection and increased bone regeneration.
Improves children’s visits to the dentist
Most children feel fear and anxiety about dental treatment. Studies report that the level of anxiety after treatment decreases when ozone is applied before the appointment.