Ozone
Our practice in Morwell has made a significant investment in the therapeutic use of ozone. What exactly is Ozone and how is it used in a dental setting?
Ozone (0z) is a triatomic molecule, consisting of three oxygen atoms. It is a highly unstable compound thermodynamically that, dependent on systems conditions like temperature and pressure, decompose to pure oxygen with a short half-life leaving no harmful residues or by products. Although ozone is not a radical molecule, it is the third most potent oxidant after fluoride and per sulphate. This allows ozone to destroy viruses, bacteria and fungi, while being harmless to healthy human tissue.
Medical ozone is made when medical grade oxygen is electrically activated (using an ozone generator) to form ozone.
The antimicrobial effect of ozone results in damage to the cytoplasmic membrane due to ozonolysis of dual bonds. There is also ozone- induced modification of intracellular contents because of secondary oxidative effects. This action is nonspecific and selective to microbial cells- it does not damage human body cells because of their major antioxidant ability
The goals of ozone therapy are:
- Elimination of pathogens
- Restoration of proper oxygen metabolises
- Induction of a friendly ecologic environment
- Increase circulation
- Immune activation
- Stimulation of the humoral immune system
Ozone can be applied to many procedures and situations in dentistry offering great advantages when used as a support for conventional treatments. Ozone can be used to:
- Aid remineralisation of tooth surfaces affected by incipient caries (decay)
- Disinfect dentine in deep cavities
- Facilitate bleaching of discoloured teeth such as teeth that have been root filled.
- Disinfect canals during endodontic (root filling) therapy
- Desensitize sensitive teeth
- Treat infected wounds or wounds that are healing poorly
- Disinfect periodontal pockets
- Remove and reduce biofilms in dental unit water lines
Our practice uses ozone infused into water and as a gas. Visit us at our practice to learn more about this exciting, non-invasive and effective technology in Morwell.
