Ozone Therapy
What is Ozone?
Ozone (O3) is a natural gas made of three atoms of oxygen. In nature, ozone is made by sunlight and lightening. It forms a protective layer in the upper atmosphere that absorbs most of the sun’s UV light and is what gives the sky it’s blue color.
A second type of “bad ozone” exists in the lower atmosphere. Bad ozone is an air pollutant caused by chemical reactions between oxides of nitrogen (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOC), and it is irritating to the lungs.
When ozone is used therapeutically, it is made with pure medical grade oxygen and the concentrations are carefully controlled. Whenever gas is administered, a high-volume evacuator (suction) is used to remove any excess gas and prevent inhalation.
How Does Ozone Work?
Ozone is a powerful oxidant. What this means, is that it ruptures the cell membrane of pathogens like bacteria, fungi, viruses and even parasites. Additionally, areas of infection and inflammation are positively charged (aka acidic) and ozone is negatively charged (aka basic). Therefore, infection and inflammation attract ozone to the areas where it is needed.
Healthy cells have antioxidant enzymes in their membranes so they are not harmed by therapeutic levels of ozone. Benefits of ozone therapy include infection control, improved blood flow, enhanced immune response, more rapid healing response, and no toxic side effects.
Ozone use in dentistry
When certain “disease causing” micro-organisms become dominant, the biofilm they create causes an infection that results in disease (cavities, periodontal disease, endodontic infections, etc). Oxygen/ozone helps remove and disinfect the mouth and support the surrounding tissues without toxic side effects. With proper application and staying within the accepted standard of care, oxygen/ozone therapy can enhance outcomes in dentistry.
Ozone is used in three different forms:
- Ozonated water – used a pre-procedure rinse, for irrigation into periodontal pocket or root canal, and in water lines and ultrasonic units.
- Oxygen/ozone gas – reduce tooth sensitivity, disinfect tooth prior to restoration, arrest shallow cavities & disinfect periodontal pockets.
- Ozonated oil – enhance oral hygiene & soft tissue healing
Other ozone use
Ozone has historically been used for water purification, air purification, food processing, and medical/dental treatment. There is vast literature supporting the effectiveness and safety of oxygen/ozone therapy. The International Academy of Oral Medicine and Toxicology (IAOMT) reviewed and accepted use of oxygen/ozone in dentistry as scientifically valid.
Water treatment research in Europe has demonstrated one molecule of ozone has more oxidizing power than 3000 molecules of chlorine and kills pathogenic organisms 3500 times faster without toxic side effects or byproducts. When ozone breaks down, it produces water and oxygen.
Hours
Monday to Thursday
8am to 5pm
- 4027 Boardwalk Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525
- info@aronsonfamilydental.com
- (970) 472-0488