Ozone therapy is an advanced and scientifically backed approach to dentistry. It has become quite popular lately in dental practices that nurture a holistic approach to patient health.
This “energized” form of oxygen is made with precision equipment and offers patients a safe, natural way to remove bacteria, fungi and viruses before repairing teeth. There are several therapeutic benefits of ozone therapy. Each stems from the strong oxidative effect of ozone on bacteria, fungi, parasites, viruses and other pathogens.
These microorganisms have few, if any, antioxidant enzymes, making them an easy target for the oxidizing potential of ozone. When bacteria and other disease-causing microbes are exposed to ozone, they break down almost immediately.
Healthy cells, thanks to their antioxidant enzymes, remain unharmed by the intake of ozone gas (oxygen), ozonated water or in the form of oil. Ozone has a balancing effect on the immune system and the potential to promote healing. Read on for more information about ozone and its benefits in dentistry.
What is ozone?
Ozone is a triatomic molecule and an allotrope of oxygen. As a molecule it is unstable which makes it a powerful antioxidant. This is due to the third oxygen atom, which is unstable and which, during oxidation, combines with organic and inorganic molecules changing or destroying them.
Ozone is a gas composed of three atoms of oxygen and occurs both in the Earth’s upper atmosphere and at ground level. Ozone in the stratosphere protects life on Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. It is toxic to humans if inhaled and should be handled professionally. It has been used for many years as a disinfectant, especially for disinfecting water and areas where food is processed, prepared, packaged and transported.
Why ozone?
Ozone is a natural substance that can often replace chemicals and invasive techniques:
- It kills infectious microorganisms such as bacteria and fungi on contact
- Improves circulation
- Improves the body’s immune responses
- Promotes healing and reduces the risk of post-operative infections
How do dentists use ozone?
Ozone therapy is used as an integral part or as an option in many dental treatments:
In the treatment of cavity
Cavity exposed to ozone will harden. Sometimes in the early stages of cavities it is not necessary to remove a cavity or put a filling. Otherwise, ozone therapy will be followed by tooth repair with a biocompatible composite (mercury-free) filling.
In the form of gas, ozone can be applied to the cavity area to destroy the bacteria that cause it. Ozone permeates small, deep grooves on posterior teeth just as easily as smooth surfaces. Although ozone destroys pathogens upon contact, it also has a rejuvenating effect on enamel. It helps in the process of recalcification and strengthening of the damaged tooth.
Root canal treatment
Inflamed teeth that need root canal treatment can now be saved and the infection neutralized using this treatment. In advanced cases, with the conventional method, it is necessary to “clean” the inflamed root canals of the tooth in order to save the tooth itself.
With the “application of ozone” and a special extension , bacteria are more successfully destroyed because ozone spreads to areas that are inaccessible for mechanical cleaning. Therefore, there will not be necessary to reclean the root canal.
Inflamed jaws
Inflamed root canals, cavitation (osteonecrosis lesions) or even periimplantitis (inflammatory process surrounding implants) can often be treated with ozone. Tooth extraction and jaw surgery are sometimes not necessary.
Teeth sensitivity
Teeth that are worn down or weak can be sensitive to hot and cold. The situation is the same in cases of gum recession and exposure of dentin. Ozone, which kills bacteria, can help with hypersensitivity. Although the exact mechanism of ozone that helps in tooth sensitivity has not yet been fully understood, patients often report decreased tooth sensitivity after treatment. The use of ozone effectively solves the problem of teeth sensitivity within a few seconds, and the effect lasts longer than conventional methods.
Teeth whitening
In teeth on which root canal treatment has been performed, discoloration is the main aesthetic problem, especially in the front. Conventional teeth whitening requires much more time, and the results are often unsatisfactory. Here ozone therapy gives excellent results. After applying the whitening agent, the tooth is treated with ozone. This ozone treatment whitens the tooth within minutes and gives the patient a more beautiful and healthier smile.
Ozone therapy in oral surgery
Ozone can accelerate the healing rate of the oral mucosa because in addition to destroying bacteria, it has a positive effect on the production of growth factors. This effect can be noticed especially in the first two postoperative days. Comparison with wounds without ozone therapy shows that daily ozone treatment promotes physiological healing.
When ozone therapy is used during dental implants placement, post-operative infection is prevented and osseointegration is enhanced.
Ozone therapy in periodontology
To control pathogens that cause gum disease, higher concentrations of antibiotics are needed, which are inevitably associated with a harmful effect on the body because they also kill healthy bacteria. But even antibiotic therapy in combination with thorough mechanical cleaning does not eliminate 100% of bacteria because not all antibiotics act on the whole spectrum of bacteria.
Ozone therapy does not have these limitations, because ozone destroys all strains of bacteria. It is applied to the periodontal pocket with a specialized extension and in most cases excellent results are obtained.
The benefit of ozone is that the body is not exposed to antibiotics but the problem is solved locally.
How does ozone therapy in dentistry work?
Dental ozone therapy is applied to disinfect, treat, and prevent common oral health problems. The negative charge of ozone naturally attracts inflammed and infected areas. When cavity is exposed to ozone, it not only kills the bacteria that surround the tooth, but also changes the environment, thus preventing further bacterial growth. Bacteria that grow in the mouth like acidity. Ozone neutralizes this acidity, changing the pH factor, thus destroying harmful oral bacteria, leading to healthy mouth and teeth.
Dental ozone therapy is an effective and natural way to reduce infection and inflammation and is an outstanding preventive treatment that helps the patient avoid the need for more invasive dental procedures.
What are the benefits of ozone therapy in dentistry?
The benefits of ozone therapy in dentistry include:
- Simple and painless treatment of small to medium cavities
- No discomfort is felt during ozone therapy treatment
- No drilling or invasive procedures
- Reduces patient anxiety
- A safe and effective option for children
- The tooth can heal and strengthen again
Is ozone therapy painful?
If you are someone who does whatever it takes to avoid using a “drill,” ozone therapy can help you maintain oral health. For children and adults who are afraid of dental treatment, this therapy does not include drills or injections. Ozone therapy is painless. It is a non-invasive method that, among other things, treats the early signs of tooth decay. When oral health is monitored regularly, patients may never have to experience tooth drilling.
What is the expected recovery time?
One of the more notable benefits of ozone therapy is recovery time. Dental ozone therapy is minimally invasive. Since there are no invasive procedures, intoxicating anesthetics, or painkillers that could make you feel tired and grumpy, you will be able to return to your daily life routine as soon as the therapy is over.
Is ozone therapy safe?
Ozone therapy is not a new method in medicine. It has been used for years to treat various diseases. Dental ozone therapy is considered a safe treatment that helps maintain oral and dental health. The treatment is completely natural and without the side effects associated with many medications – it is simply a natural element, not a cure.
Ozone therapy at the Smile Polyclinic
The activity of the Smile Polyclinic is based on a holistic approach to oral health. Your overall well-being is part of taking care of the oral health. We use the most modern techniques for maximum safety and comfort of our patients. We also use only the highest quality materials from the world brands Straumann and Ivoclar Vivadent.
We always strive for your emotional well-being, so we do not use equipment and devices that can cause you stress or pain, but only an innovative approach to oral care and state-of-the-art technology. Thus, ozone therapy fits perfectly into our philosophy and treatments that will result in a healthy mouth and a beautiful smile.
If you are interested in ozone therapy or any other dental procedure, contact us via the contact form, email or phone and we will answer all your questions and concerns.
