Ozone in Dentistry

Ozone is simply a tri-atomic oxygen particle (O3).  It is perfectly safe when used properly.

In the office, it is created passing pure medical grade oxygen through a specialized machine.  Once ozone is created, it can be used as a liquid form or gas form.

Although ozone levels in the atmosphere are used to measure pollution levels, the ozone itself is not a hazard.  Naturally, ozone quickly binds with atmospheric pollutants and is used as a measure to determine pollution levels.  Its job is to be nature’s filter of “bad” particles.

Ozone is negatively charged and is attracted to anything with a positive charge. “Bad” cells –like bacteria, viruses or fungus typically carry positive charges on their cell’s outer wall.  The “Good” cells will typically have the protection of anti-oxidants on their outer walls and will deter ozone. Negatively charged cells will attract the ozone and as such will cause damage to the cell membrane destroying it.

We use Ozone in dentistry in the following ways:

Periodontal disease: Ozone can be used to help treat periodontal disease by using ozonated water flushed below the gum line and/or ozone gas infiltrated into the gum tissue. Ozone is an important tool used by our hygienists and doctors to treat periodontal disease.

Decay: Ozone can be used to kill bacteria causing cavities. Using ozone as a gas, it can flow into the grooves of teeth killing bacteria on contact assuring a clean surface before the filling is placed by the doctor.

Under sealants: Because of ozone’s disinfectant properties it can be used under sealants we place on children’s teeth to prevent trapping in the bacteria deep in the grooves.

Sensitivity: Because ozone can harden tooth structure, irrigating a sensitive tooth with ozone gas can greatly reduce sensitivity without using chemicals.  We have successfully eliminated or majorly reduced many patients’ sensitivity issues with ozone therapy.

Safety:  You cannot be allergic to ozone because it is supercharged oxygen and you cannot be allergic to oxygen.  We use a strict protocol to ensure ozone gas is not inhaled or irritates the eyes during treatment.