What is Ozone?
To begin understanding the basics of Ozone Therapy Treatment, one must first have a grasp on what exactly ozone is. As most of us know, ozone makes up one of the protective layers of the earth’s atmosphere that helps to reduce direct exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. At the same time, however, ozone is simply a molecule of three oxygen atoms (O3). Besides in its naturally occurring form in the earth’s atmosphere, ozone has a variety of uses for everyday life. Ozone is particularly touted for its sterilization and filtering effects, often being used by municipal water treatment plants for water purification, to clean fruits and vegetables for sale in supermarkets, and to filter commercial bottled water.
Sunrise Dentistry is proud to offer ozone therapy for many of our dental procedures as a sterilizing agent as well as a treatment for head and neck infections including sinus issues.
Introduction to the Dental Field
Ozone was first used in the medical field in the 1900s and has since been used as a method of speeding up the healing process for wounds and certain types of diseases. While ozone treatment was originally developed in both Europe in the United States, the medical community in Europe has more widespread adaptation of ozone therapy treatments. Since then, ozone (in lower concentrations) has been found to be a powerful combatant to certain bacteria, viruses, and fungi while avoiding damage to more complex human cells, meaning it can be applied in a large number of areas. This discovery ultimately led to its introduction into the field of dentistry.
The first recorded use of ozone in dental applications was in 1930 in Zürich, Switzerland by Dr. E.A. Fisch. Medical-grade ozone that is used in dental procedures is created by passing oxygen through a corona discharge generator, resulting in pure ozone that can be used in both liquid and gaseous forms. A third form, known as ozonated olive oil, is made by filtering ozone through olive oil to make a thick ointment that can then be directly applied to the targeted area. All three forms of medical-grade ozone can be used for dental applications, depending on the intended target of treatment.
Uses in Modern Dentistry
- Periodontal disease – ozonated water flushed below the gum line can help to treat and reduce periodontal disease over time. Additionally, ozonated gas can be used to treat gum tissue around the affected area
- Root canals – ozone’s sterilization properties come particularly in handy when undertaking root canal operations. Ozone can kill any bacteria in the area of operation to create a sterilized root canal system and help speed up recovery time.
- Sensitivity – For those suffering from tooth sensitivity, ozone gas can be applied to help recalcify teeth to help remove sensitivity.
- Post-operation pain – patients sometimes feel a certain degree of pain or extreme sensitivity after having a cavity filled or crown installed. This pain is often caused by an inflammation caused by a buildup of bacteria in the inner pulp of the tooth. The application of ozone before the crown is placed or the cavity is filled has been known to reduce the amount of bacterial buildup and thus reduce the risk of needing further dental work to deal with pulpitis.
- Extractions- ozonated water can be flushed in the dental socket immediately after extractions to dramatically reduce the pathogens that may be in bedded in the bone, tooth or periodontal ligament. This will reduce post-operative pain and help speed up healing recovery.
Safety
As mentioned before, ozone is simply a molecule containing three atoms of oxygen. Because oxygen is necessary for everyday life, it is impossible to be allergic to ozone. In addition, there are no known reactions or side effects of ozone with any kind of medication.
Sunrise Dentistry offers a unique, holistic approach to dentistry that focuses not only on the health of your teeth and gums, but also on how dental health can affect the overall health of your entire body. We are committed to the highest quality dental care possible, while always keeping in mind the larger context, the interrelated organic systems within the body that dental care is inseparably part of. Ozone treatment therapy is only one part of our approach to safe and comfortable dentistry experience.
Sources:
