Ozone Dentistry
Introduction to Oxygen-Ozone Therapy
One of the most complex problems in pediatric dentistry today is infection control. The oral cavity is a sea of microorganisms normally living in balance with the entire human body. Under certain conditions, disease-causing microorganisms can take over, creating an infection. Oxygen-Ozone Therapy or OOT is an agent that can treat and eliminate the infection and support the surrounding healthy tissue without toxic side effects.
How does Oxygen-Ozone Therapy work?
Oxygen-Ozone: when Oxygen-Ozone is introduced into the body, it creates a reaction. The infective microorganisms have no natural defense against this reaction, get overstressed, and die. In short, Oxygen-Ozone therapy is a way to safely and effectively disinfect the treated area. It also promotes better blood flow, enhances immune responses, and a more rapid healing response.
How can Oxygen-Ozone help in my dental care?
Oxygen-Ozone therapy has been used throughout the world for many years. This therapy presents great advantages when used to support conventional treatments, and is recommended for a wide range of dental specialties. For example, periodontal disease is a chronic gum and bone infection. By placing Oxygen-Ozone directly into the infected gum pockets, periodontal disease can be arrested without the use of drugs, and their associated side effects. Another area of concern is infected root canals. Oxygen-Ozone Therapy sterilizes all aspects of the tooth, even into the smallest canals and tubules. Tooth decay can be arrested almost immediately upon proper exposure to Oxygen-Ozone Therapy. This procedure is especially useful when treating children, as tooth drilling can be reduced.
Is there any science to support Oxygen-Ozone Therapy?
The scientific literature is vast in support of the effectiveness and safety of Oxygen-Ozone Therapy. e.a. Fisch, a Swiss dentist in the early 1900s, introduced the concept of Oxygen-Ozone in dentistry, followed by Dr. E. Payr, who introduced this treatment into the medical community. We now understand scientifically how and why Oxygen-Ozone therapies work so well. This has led to many treatment advances, especially in dentistry. Recently, the International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology reviewed and accepted Oxygen/Ozone in Dentistry as scientifically valid.
Can I be allergic to Oxygen-Ozone?
No. Ozone is just an energized form of Oxygen. Ozone is naturally formed by the sun and lightning in storms. Without the ozone layer high in the atmosphere, life could not exist on our planet. Ozone filters out the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and, also, makes for that beautiful blue color in the sky.
Scientific References
- Masato N. Kitamura C. et al. Antimicrobial Effect of Ozonated Water on Bacteria Invading Dental Tubules. J Endod. 2004,30(11)778-781
- Baysan A. Lynch E. Effects of ozone on the oral Microbiota and clinical severity of primary root carries. Am J Dent. 2004 17:56-60
- Schmidlin PR, Zimmermann J., Bindl A. Effect of ozone on enamel and dentin bond strength. J Adhes Dent 2005 7:29-32