THE PLACE OF OZONE IN DENTAL TREATMENT

When it comes to ozone, what comes to mind is the layer in the atmosphere that protects the earth against harmful rays that cause skin cancer. However, ozone is used in many areas today.

Because it is extremely reliable;

• Sterilizing water and sodas in big cities
• In air purification systems
• Swimming pools
• Storage and cleaning of fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry and fish
• And it is increasingly widely used in the medical community.

The first use of ozone in the medical community started because of its ability to accelerate healing.

In the 1900s, many researches were conducted in the USA and European countries. When the benefits of the killing effect of ozone on viruses, fungi and bacteria were determined, its use in dentistry also began.

OZONE TREATMENT

OZONE USE IN DENTAL TREATMENT

IN THE TREATMENT OF DENTAL CARIES

There are many bacteria in the oral environment. These bacteria settle in the pits and side interfaces on the chewing surface of the teeth and cause dental caries, and settle in the gingival pockets and cause dental calculus. It is useful to know that the places where bacteria settle in the oral environment are not only the tooth surfaces, but that they easily attach to the tongue and cheek surfaces. Although there are areas in each individual’s mouth where bacteria can easily attach, there is also a natural balance between bacteria. When food is eaten during the day, the environment in the mouth turns acidic from time to time, which is balanced by saliva. The microorganism attached to the tooth surface starts tooth decay activity in the acidic environment, forming pits on the tooth and colonizing in these pits. Within these colonies, 450 different types of bacteria form a complex community. Tooth brushing cannot reach into these pits and the decay process continues at an accelerated rate. Bacteria spread into the tooth by opening small pits and tunnels according to their size.

Many studies have been carried out to strengthen the tooth enamel structure. Fluoridation and fissure preservatives have made a lot of progress in this regard. These treatments are insufficient in caries activities that have advanced into the enamel. In these caries, ozone treatments have come to the agenda to cope with microorganism invasions. Namely, the killing effect of ozone on bacteria is very effective in the treatment of initial caries. By preventing the microorganism from colonizing in particular, the progression of caries is stopped and treatment with fissure sealants is also possible.

IN THE TREATMENT OF GINGIVAL INFECTIONS

There are small pockets at the connection of the gum tissue surrounding the tooth with the tooth. These pockets have a relationship with both the root of the tooth and the surface of the mouth. Gum pockets are very suitable environments for microorganisms to settle and colonize. The sticky deposits formed by the food residues between the gum and the tooth, which we call dental plaque, combined with saliva are very attractive food sources for microorganisms. The activities of microorganisms and inadequate oral care cause calculus formation. The gradual growth of calculus causes the gum pocket to expand towards the bone, which also affects the bone tissue surrounding the teeth. We call this gum disease periodontitis. Treatment of periodontitis begins with cleaning the stones in that area. Ozone is used to stop the microorganism activities of the gum tissue. Ozone’s wound healing and bactericidal properties are very effective in gum pocket tissues.

Ozone also has a healing effect on the sensitivity that occurs after the treatment of gingivitis, in which dental stones are quite high.

WOUND HEALING AFTER IMPLANT, PERIODONTAL, JAW SURGERY

The wound healing properties of ozone have been previously mentioned. Implant treatments are among today’s routine dental treatments. As the demand for this treatment increases, it is the desire of every patient to minimize the pain and edema that may occur after this type of surgical procedure. Ozone has benefits in the realization of this request.

OTHER USES OF OZONE IN THE MOUTH

It is used in the treatment of white demineralized areas seen when the brackets come off after orthodontic treatment.

• It is used in wound healing of aphthae and herpes.
• It is used for canal disinfection in root canal treatment.
• It is used in the healing of prosthesis bumps and fungal infections caused by the prosthesis.
• Used in the treatment of abscess formation in the tooth.
• Used in wound healing after tooth extraction.
• It is used to increase the effectiveness of whitening gel in tooth whitening treatments.