One of the most complex and perplexing problems in dentistry today is infection control. The mouth is full of microorganisms normally living in balance with the entire body. Under certain conditions pathogenic or “disease causing” microorganisms can become the dominant life forms, thus creating infection. What if we had an agent that could treat and eliminate the infection and, in addition, support the surrounding healthy tissue without toxic side effect? We do now with ozone therapy for dentistry.
How does ozone therapy work?
Ozone, when introduced into the body, creates what is called a “transient oxidative burst”. The infective microorganisms have no defense against this reaction, and, as a result, die. Thus, ozone disinfects the area treated, both safely and effectively, without the side effects or antibiotic resistance potential of traditional antibiotics.
Ozone Therapy Benefits
The “oxidative burst” induces a multitude of natural biochemical and physiologic reactions. These reactions include:
- Better blood flow
- Enhanced immune response
- And a more rapid healing response
- No chance of allergic reactions
What can Ozone Therapy help treat?
Some of the dental issues Ozone can help treat include, but are not limited to:
- Periodontal disease
- Infected Teeth
- Tooth Decay
- Cavities
OZONE IN DENTISTRY
CRITICAL FACTS ABOUT OZONE / OXYGEN THERAPY IN DENTISTRY
SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF ORAL INFECTION
One of the most complex and perplexing problems in 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 pathogenic or “disease causing”micro-organisms can become the dominant lifeforms, thus creating what we call infection. These pathogenic microorganisms live together in what is called a biofilm.
This biofilm supports a mixed type infection made up of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even parasites. The difficulty is that each of these “disease causing” types needs a different drug to eliminate its dominance. What if we had an agent that could treat and eliminate the infection and, in addition, support the surrounding healthy tissue without toxic side effects? We do now with oxygen/ozone therapy for dentistry.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Oxygen/ozone therapy, when introduced into the living system, creates what is called a “transient oxidative burst”. The infective microorganisms have no natural defense against this reaction, and as a result, are overstressed and die. Thus, oxygen/ozone disinfects the area treated, both safely and effectively. This “oxidative burst” also induces a multitude of natural biochemical and physiologic reactions. These reactions include better blood flow, enhanced immune response, and a more rapid healing response.
HOW CAN OXYGEN/OZONE THERAPY HELP IN MY DENTAL CARE?
Staying within the accepted standard of care, with proper application, oxygen/ozone can enhance the outcome in all aspects of dentistry. For example, periodontal disease is a chronic gum and bone infection. By utilizing the different applications forms of oxygen/ozone such as ozonized water, ozonized oils, and placing oxygen/ozone directly into the infected gum pockets, periodontal disease can be arrested without the use of pharmaceutical drugs and associated side effects.
Ozone/Oxygen Therapy is also effective for tooth whitening and reducing tooth sensitivity. When used for cavitation or abscesses the infection can be arrested almost immediately upon proper exposure to oxygen/ozone therapy. This therapy is especially useful when treating children, as minimal to no drilling of the tooth is necessary.
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. Historically, it was a Swiss dentist; E.A. Fisch in the early 1900’s who introduced the concept of oxygen/ozone in dentistry, followed by Dr. E. Payr who introduced this treatment into the medical community. Scientifically we now understand how and why oxygen/ozone therapies work so well. This has led to many treatment advances in the last number of years, 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, it is impossible to be allergic to oxygen/ozone. Ozone is an energized form of oxygen. Ozone is naturally formed by the sun and lightening in storms. Without the ozone layer high in the atmosphere, life could not exist on our planet. Ozone actually filters out the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays and, in addition, makes for that beautiful blue color in the sky.