The Misconception of Ozone and Six of Its Uses In Modern Dental Practices

In modern dentistry, ozone refers to the therapeutic use of ozone gas, which is different from the ozone found in the Earth’s atmosphere. While ozone in the atmosphere serves as a protective layer shielding the Earth from harmful ultraviolet radiation, ozone therapy in dentistry is generated from medical-grade oxygen. Dentists like Dr. Anshuman Rawat at Advanced Dental Practices in Wrentham, Massachusetts, use ozone on teeth for its antimicrobial and therapeutic properties.

In dentistry, ozone is considered safe when used appropriately by trained professionals. It has been utilized for decades as a disinfectant and antimicrobial agent due to its ability to destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi, and other pathogens without causing harm to healthy tissues. Ozone therapy in dentistry is typically administered in controlled concentrations and durations to ensure safety and efficacy.

Dentists employ ozone in various ways within their practices:

1. Disinfection: Ozone gas is used to disinfect surfaces and treatment areas. Ozone’s oxidative properties enable it to penetrate and effectively destroy microorganisms, disinfect equipment, and reduce the risk of cross-contamination. 
2. Treatment of Dental Caries: Ozone therapy is used to treat dental caries (tooth decay) as an adjunct to traditional drilling and filling procedures. Ozone gas can penetrate the tooth structure and inhibit the growth of bacteria responsible for decay, helping to arrest early lesions and preserve healthy tooth structure.
3. Periodontal Therapy: Ozone is utilized in the treatment of periodontal disease (gum disease) to disinfect periodontal pockets and promote tissue healing. Ozone gas or ozonated water can be delivered subgingivally (under the gumline) to reduce bacterial load, inflammation, and bleeding associated with periodontitis.
4. Soft Tissue Therapy: Ozone therapy is employed in treating various oral soft tissue conditions, such as oral ulcers, herpes lesions, and mucositis. Ozone gas or ozonated water can be applied topically to oral lesions to accelerate healing, reduce pain, and prevent infection.
5. Tooth sensitivity: Ozone is one of the most non-invasive options for treating tooth sensitivity. Whether it is a single tooth or several sensitive teeth, treatment with Ozone gas for a few minutes typically takes care of it in a single visit.
6. Ozone in Oral Surgery: Treating surgical sites with ozone during surgery kills microorganisms and prepares the site for uncomplicated healing.

Ozone therapy is a safe and effective treatment for disinfection, dental caries treatment, periodontal therapy, root canal therapy, and soft tissue therapy in dentistry. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Rawat, please call today.