Ozone Therapy in Dentistry

Dr. Jyoti I Pattanashetti M DS Assistant professor Department of Periodontics P.M. N. M. Dental College and Hospital Bagalkot – 587101 Karnataka, India

 

Introduction

Atmospheric air is made up of nitrogen (71%), oxygen (28%) and other gasses (1%) including ozone which is altered by processes related to altitude, temperature and air pollution.[1,2] Ozone (O3) is a gas with a characteristic, penetrating odour that is present in small amounts in atmospheric air. Ozone molecules are composed of three oxygen atoms and present naturally in the upper layer of atmosphere in abundance as long as sun is shining. [1,3,4] It protects living organisms by surrounding the earth at altitudes of 50,000 to 100,000 feet from the ultra-violet rays.[1,2,6] As it falls downward to earth, being heavier than air, and combines with any pollutant it comes in contact, and cleans the air. This is Mother Earth’s natural way of self-cleaning.[3]

Medical Ozone is made when medical grade oxygen is electrically activated (using an Ozone Generator) to form ozone.[3] It is a mixture of the purest oxygen and purest ozone. According to its application, the ozone concentration may vary between 1 and 100 µg/ml (0.05-5%). The ozone therapist determines the complete dosage according to the medical/dental indication and the patient’s condition.[7,8]

Ozone is an unstable gas and it quickly gives up nascent oxygen molecule to form oxygen gas. The release of nascent oxygen has beneficial effects on every part and organ.[1] It has been used in medical field since long back due to its extremely strong oxidant property that oxidises nearly all surfaces to the highest oxidation stage. It is used as a circulatory enhancement and stimulation of oxygen metabolism, disruption of tumor metabolism and to kill pathogens.[1,2] Ozone is a powerful oxidant capable of interacting as metabolic & immune modulator as well as anti-microbial agent. Multiple microbiological & the biochemical studies justified that there are no doubts about the effectiveness of ozone in bacterial reduction.[9] Among other things, ozone is used to purify drinking water and water in dental equipment and for sterilising instruments for medical use.[10]

 

History

The German chemist Christian Friedrich Schönbein (1840), of the University of Basel in Switzerland is regarded as the Father of ozone therapy.[7,11] When he passed an electrical discharge through water, a gas strange smell was produced, which he called Ozone, derived from the Greek word ozein whichmeans odor.[1,2,6,11]

In 1857 Joachim Hänsler, a German physicist and physician, along with German physician, Hans Wolff, developed the first ozone generator for medical use. Dr. C. Lender in 1870, for the first time applied O3 into medical field. He purified blood in test tubes by using O3.[2,3,6] Later, O3 application gained as a popularity as a therapeutic procedure throughout Europe and America.

In 1881, it was used as a disinfectant in the treatment of diphtheria.[3] Dr. Charles Kenworthy,a Florida physician, in 1885, published his experiences with ozone in the Florida Medical Association Journal.[5] In October 1893, Ousbaden, Holland became the first city to utilize a water treatment plant using ozone.[3]

In World War I and II it was used to treat wounded soldiers in the trenches.[11,12] In early 20th centuryFood and Drug Act, revised its use and effect in the field of medicine. They considered it as perfectly legal to use in US.
Since then, it was used in the treatment of then deadly diseases such as tuberculosis, pneumonia, diabetes etc. It was also used to cure wounds, gangrene and the effects of poisonous gas.

As of 1929, more than 114 diseases were listed for treatment with oxygen/ ozone therapy.[5] A German dentist, Dr. E.A. Fisch, in 1950 was the first dentist to use ozone on regular basis in his dental practice in Zurich, Switzerland and published numerous papers on its application. He used ozone to treat Ernst Payr, a renowned Austrian surgeon, who then became an ozone enthusiast and began a line of research dedicated to its use in healthcare. At that time, ozone therapy was difficult and limited due to the lack of ozone-resistant materials, such as Nylon, Dacron and Teflon, until when ozone-resistant materials were manufactured.[1,2,5,6]

Beginning of dental-application research with the approval of an Institutional Review Board for Human Research from Capital University of Integrative Medicine in Washington, D.C., started in 2001.
The first formal lecture on oxygen/ozone therapy was given in 2001 at Capital University. Later on, extensive research continued with the publication of Dr. Siegfried Rilling’s and Dr. Renate Viebahn’s text, “The Use of Ozone in Medicine.” This text was a standard until 2002, when Dr. Velio Bocci published “Oxygen/Ozone Therapy – A Critical Review.” This was followed by first dental-applications clinical seminar in Louisville, Ky., in 2003.

In 2004, Professor Edward Lynch of Belfast, United Kingdom, contributed to and edited the book “Ozone: The Revolution in Dentistry.”[5] Numerous researchers since that time have worked to elucidate the nature and actions of ozone. Mariniak and Delarive showed that it is an allotropic form of oxygen, and Mulliken and Dewar clarified its molecular structure.[6,13]

 

Biological Actions

There are several known actions of ozone on human body, such as immunostimulating and analgesic, antihypoxic and detoxicating, antimicrobial, bioenergetic and biosynthetic (activation of the metabolism of carbohydrates, proteins, lipids) etc.[6]

The antimicrobial effect of ozone as a result of its action on cells by damaging its cytoplasmic membrane due to ozonolysis of dual bonds and also ozone-induced modification of intracellular contents (oxidation of proteins loss of organelle function) because of secondary oxidants effects. This action is non-specific and selective to microbial cells; it does not damage human body cells because of their major antioxidative ability.

Ozone is very efficient in antibiotics resistant strains. Its antimicrobial activity increases in liquid environment of the acidic pH. In viral infections the ozone action lies in the intolerance of infected cells to peroxides and change of activity of reverse transcriptase, which takes part in synthesis of viral proteins.[6]

Ozone influences cellular and humoral immune system. It stimulates proliferation of immunocompetent cells and synthesis of immunoglobulins. It also activates function of macrophages and increases sensitivity of micro-organisms to phagocytosis.[6]

When administered at low concentrations, the organisms own resistance is mobilized, i.e. ozone (re)activates the immune system.[8] As a response to this activation through ozone, the body’s immune cells produce special messengers called cytokines. These molecules in turn activate other immune cells, setting off a cascade of positive change throughout the immune system, which is stimulated to resist diseases. This means that the application of medical ozone is extremely useful for immune activation in patients with a low immune status and/or immune deficit.[7]

Ozone causes the synthesis of biologically active substances such as interleukins, leukotrienes and prostaglandins which is beneficial in reducing inflammation and wound healing.[6] Ozone brings about the rise of pO2 in tissues and improves transportation of oxygen in blood, which results in change of cellular metabolism – activation of aerobic processes (glycolysis, Krebs cycle, β-oxidation of fatty acids) and use of energetic resources. It also prevents formation of erythrocytes aggregates and increases their contact surface for oxygen transportation.
Its ability to stimulate the circulation is used in the treatment of circulatory disorders and makes it valuable in the revitalizing organic functions.[6]

Ozone causes secretion of vasodilators such as NO, which is responsible for dilatation of arterioles and venules.[6] It activates mechanisms of protein synthesis, increases amount of ribosomes and mitochondria in cells. These changes on the cellular level explain elevation of functional activity and regeneration potential of tissues and organs.[6]

A high concentration of ozone kills bacteria very quickly and is thousand times more powerful than other bacterial killing agents.The average concentration of ozone used in treatments is 25 µgm of ozone per millilitre of oxygen/ozone gas mixture that translates into 0.25 parts of ozone to 99.75 parts of oxygen. Evidence-based research has shown that at this concentration, ozone effectively kills bacteria, fungi, viruses and parasites.[5] As an antimicrobial agent, it is a powerful oxidizer at a dramatically lower concentration than chlorine with none of the toxic side effects.
One molecule of ozone is equal to between 3,000 to 10,000 molecules of chlorine and it kills pathogenic organisms 3,500 times faster.[5] Studies have revealed that it only takes 10 sec to kill 99 % of bacteria, fungi and viruses.14 It can oxidize many organic compounds and it is a powerful germicide.[15] Some of the other effects are circulatory enhancement, disruption of tumor metabolism and stimulation of oxygen metabolism.[16]

 

Goals of ozone therapy

Setting the standard-of-care and therapeutic goals are based on sound evidence-based science is critical. Therapeutic goals are inclusive and not exclusive of standard of care. The goals of oxygen/ozone therapy are:[5]

  • Elimination of pathogens
  • Restoration of proper oxygen metabolism
  • Induction of a friendly ecologic environment
  • Increased circulation
  • Immune activation
  • Simulation of the humoral anti-oxidant system
 

Systems for generating ozone gas in dentistry: [1,2]

Ultraviolet system

Produces low concentrations of ozone, used in aesthetics and for air purification.

Cold plasma system

Used in air and water purification.

Corona discharge system

Produces high concentrations of ozone. It is the most common system used in the medical/ dental field. It is easy to handle and it has a controlled ozone production rate.

 

Forms of application [7,8]

  • As an infusion into infected jaw bone (cavitation)
  • As an infusion into the temporomandibular joint for the treatment of pain and inflammation.
  • As an irrigant during new root canal therapy to disinfect the involved tooth.
  • Adjunctive therapy with the use of Ozonated Olive Oil for periodontal disease.
 

Indications

In dentistry, ozone has got its role in various dental treatment modalities. Ozone therapy presents great advantages when used as a support for conventional treatments.[1,7]

  • Prophylaxis and prevention of dental caries
  • Remineralisation of pit and fissure, root and smooth surface caries
  • Restoration of open cavitations along with conventional conservative measures
  • Bleaching of discoloured root canal treated teeth
  • Endodontic treatment
  • Desensitization of extremely sensitive tooth necks
  • Soft tissue pathoses
  • The treatment of infected, badly healing wounds and inflammatory process
 

Ozone Therapy in Prosthodontics

Microbial plaque accumulating on the dentures is composed of several oral microorganisms, mainly C. albicans. Denture plaque control is essential for the prevention of denture stomatitis. In an attempt to solve this problem Arita et al. assessed the effect of ozonated water in combination with ultrasonication on C. albicans. Following exposure to flowing ozonated water (2 or 4 mg/l) for one minute they found no viable C. albicanssuggesting the application of ozonated water might be useful in reducing the number of C.albicanson denture bases.[17]

 

Ozone Therapy in Surgery

The influence of ozonized water on the epithelial wound healing process in the oral cavity was observed by Filippi. It was found that ozonized water applied on the daily basis can accelerate the healing rate in oral mucosa. This effect can be seen in the first two postoperative days. The comparison with wounds without treatment shows that daily treatment with ozonized water accelerates the physiological healing rate.[18] Patients treated with ozone got healed more quickly without the need for systemic medication when compared to the control group. This finding suggested ozonated oil might be effective in the treatment of alveolitis.[19] Application of ozone therapy after tooth extraction and in case of post-extraction complications, was found quite useful.[20]

 

Ozone Therapy in Endodontics

Current research has been focused on determining guidelines for ozone use. The principle line of study has evolved using the ozone to determine its effect on several kinds of caries (pit and fissure,[21] noncavity,[22] and primary root caries[21,23,24,25]).
The oxidative impact on this microbiota has been recognized in several studies; however, there is a divergence of opinion regarding the amount of time that ozone gas should be applied. One study suggests application of ozone gas for a period of 10 to 20 seconds resulted in 99% of the microorganisms being destroyed [24,25].
Another report states 40 seconds of application was insufficient to decontaminate the area and failed to act on underlying infected dentin.[26] Interesting data shows ozone does not affect the sealing ability of the bonding-system. Ozone therapy was also used in prevention of dental caries in fissures of the first permanent molars in children.[20] An interesting data shows ozone does not affect the sealing ability of the bonding-system.[27]

Polymicrobial infections complicate cases of apical periodontitis. As a result, current research is focused on finding treatment solutions with a high antimicrobial effect while minimizing injury to the periapical tissues. The oxidative power of ozone characterizes it as an efficient antimicrobial and its indication for use in endodontic therapy seems quite appropriate. Its antimicrobial action has been demonstrated against bacterial strains such as: Mycobacteria, Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Pseudomonas, Enterococcus and E. coli [31,32] S. aureus [33], E. faecalis [34,35] and C. albicans [17] using in vitro research models. The ozone showed effectiveness over most of the bacteria found in cases of pulp necrosis, but not when the bacteria are organized in biofilm [20] in vitro studies.

 
Bleaching [1]

In root canal treated teeth, crown discolouration is a major aesthetic problem, especially in anterior teeth. Conventional walking bleaching requires much more time and results are not often satisfactory. Also, capping the tooth with ceramic crown is not always a good idea. But, now ozone has the answer to all these questions. After placing the bleaching agent into the inner of the tooth, the crown is irradiated with ozone for minimum of 3-4 minutes. This ozone treatment bleaches the tooth within minutes and gives the patient a happy and healthier-looking smile.

 
Desensitization of Sensitive Root Necks [1]

Quick and prompt relief from root sensitivity has been documented after ozone spray for 60 seconds followed by mineral wash onto the exposed dentine in a repetitive manner. This desensitization of dentine lasts for longer period of time. Smear layer present over the exposed root surface prevents the penetration of ionic Calcium and Fluorine deep into the dentinal tubules. Ozone removes this smear layer, opens up the dentinal tubules, broadens their diameter and then Calcium and Fluoride ions flow into the tubules easily, deeply and effectively to plug the dentinal tubules, preventing the fluid exchange through these tubules. Thus, ozone can effectively terminate the root sensitivity problem within seconds and also lasts longer than those by conventional methods.

 

Ozone Therapy in Periodontics

Dental biofilm makes it difficult for antibiotics in targeting putative periodontal pathogens. Higher concentrations of antibiotics are required to kill these organisms which are inevitably associated with toxic adverse effect on the host microbial flora. The application of ozone therapy in periodontics showed promising results. Both gaseous and aqueous ozone are used as a substitute to mechanical debridement.

Ozonated water (4mg/l) strongly inhibited the formation of dental plaque and reduced the number of sub gingival pathogens both gram positive and gram negative organisms. Gram negative bacteria, such as P. endodontalis and P. gingivalis were substantially more sensitive to ozonated water than gram positive oral streptococci and C. albicans in pure culture.
Furthermore ozonated water had strong bactericidal activity against bacteria in plaque biofilm.

In addition, ozonated water inhibited the accumulation of experimental dental plaque in vitro. Aqueous ozone was found to be more biocompatible than gaseous ozone. It resulted in toxic effect on human oral epithelial and fibroblast cells compared to antiseptics such as chlorehexidine digluconate, sodium hypochlorite and hydrogen peroxide during a 1-minute time period.[28,29] Ozone gas found to be toxic to the human oral epithelial and gingival fibroblast cells and aqueous ozone was more biocompatible than gaseous ozone.[30] The application of ozone therapy in chronic gingival and periodontal diseases, showed subjective and objective improvement of their status, as well as patients with periodontal abscess, with no exudation was observed.[20]

 

Ozone Therapy in Stomatology

Sechi et. al evaluated the effect of ozonized sunflower oil on different bacterial species isolated from different sites. Ozone proved to be effective against all bacteria when tested, while mycobacteria were shown to be the most susceptible to the oil.[31] Macedo and Cardoso described a case report of the application of ozonated oil on herpes labialis and mandibular osteomyelitis and demonstrated faster healing times than conventional protocols.[36]

 

Ozone Toxicity

Ozone inhalation can be toxic to the pulmonary system and other organs. Complications caused by ozone therapy are infrequent at 0.0007 per application.
Known side-effects are epiphora, upper respiratory irritation, rhinitis, cough, headache, occasional nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, blood vessel swelling, poor circulation, heart problems and at a times stroke.[4]

Because of ozone’s high oxidative power, all materials that come in contact with the gas must be ozone resistant, such as glass, silicon, and Teflon.
However, in the event of ozone intoxication the patient must be placed in the supine position, and treated with vitamin E and n-acetylcysteine.[2]

 

Contradications [1,2,6]

The following are contraindications for the use of ozone therapy:

  • Pregnancy
  • Glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase deficiency (favism)
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Severe anaemia
  • Severe myasthenia
  • Acute alcohol intoxication
  • Recent myocardial infarction
  • Haemorrhage from any organ
  • Ozone allergy
 

The Benefits of Ozone Dental Treatment [14]

Ozone treatment is excellent as a preventative measure against future decay and dental work needed to correct the damage caused by bacteria. Benefits also include:

  • Eliminates the use of drills and fillings
  • Eliminates the use of anaesthetics
  • Kills 99% of bacteria in cavities
  • Can whiten discoloured cavities
  • Excellent for nervous or anxious patients
  • Reduces inflammation and pain sensation
 

Conclusion

Dentistry is changing as we are now using modern science to practice dentistry. The ozone therapy has been more beneficial than present conventional therapeutic modalities. This state of the art technology allows us to take a minimally invasive and conservative approach to dental treatment. The elucidation of molecular mechanisms of ozone further benefits practical application in dentistry. Treating patients with ozone therapy reduces the treatment time with a great deal of difference and it eliminates the bacterial count more precisely. The treatment is completely painless and increases the patients’ acceptability and compliance with minimal adverse effects.

 

References

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[2] Nogales C G, Ferrari P A, Kantorovich EO, Lage-Marques JL. Ozone Therapy in Medicine and Dentistry. J Contemp Dent Pract 2008 May; (9)4:075-084.

[3] Kagan J. Are You Ready For This – Ozone Therapy. In: Ozone Information for Clinicians [online]. 2003[cited 2010 January 13].

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[7] Seaverson K, Tschetter D, Kaur T. Patient guide to oxygen/ozone therapy. Health centered cosmetic dentistry. [Online]. [Cited 2010 January 13].

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[11] Health technology assessment report. Ozone therapy [online] December 2005 [cited 2010 January 13].

[12] Why do we use Ozone Therapy here at Sanctuary Dental? Sanctuary dental. [Online]. [Cited 2010 January 13]; [1 screen].

[13] Razumovskii S D, Zaikov G E. Ozone and Its Reactions with Organic Compounds. Elsevier, New York. 1984.

[14] Ozone dental therapy. [Online]. [cited 2010 January 13] [1 screen].

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[17] Arita M, Nagayoshi M, Fukuizumi T, Okinaga T, Masumi S, Morikawa M. Microbicidal efficacy of ozonated water against Candida albicans adhering to acrylic dentures plates. Oral Microbiology and Immunology 2005; 20:206-10.

[18] Filippi A. The influence of ozonised water on the epithelial wound healing process in the oral cavity. Clinic of Oral Surgery, Radiology and Oral Medicine, University of Basel, Switzerldand.

[19] Guerra O C, Cepero S M, Jordan M, Vazquez T C. Aplicación de la ozonoterapia en el tratamiento de la alveolitis. Revista Cubana de Estomatologia 1997; 34(1):21-4.

[20] Kronusová M. Aplikace atomárního kyslíku v ordinaci praktického zubního léka?e. Progresdent 3: 34–36, 2007

[21] Brazzelli M, McKenzie L, Fielding S, Fraser C, Clarkson J, Kilonzo M, Waugh N. Systematic review of the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of HealOzone for the treatment of occlusal pit/fissure caries and root caries. Health Technology Assessment 2006; 10(16): iii-iv, ix-80.

[22] Baysan A, Beighton D. Assessment of the ozone-mediated killing of bacteria in infected dentine associated with non-cavitated occlusal carious lesions. Caries Res. 2007; 41:337-341.

[23] Baysan A, Whiley R, Lynch E. Antimicrobial effects of a novel ozone generating device on microorganisms associated with primary root carious lesion in vitro. Caries Res. 2000; 34:498-501.

[24] Baysan A, Lynch E. The use of ozone in dentistry and medicine. Primary Dental Care 2005; 12(2):47–52.

[25] Baysan A, Lynch E. The use of ozone in dentistry and medicine. Part 2. Primary Dental Care 2006; 13(1):37-41.

[26] Polydorou O, Pelz K, Hahn P. Antibacterial effect of an ozone device and its comparison with two dentin-bonding systems. Eur J Oral Sci. 2006; 114:349-353

[27] Celiberti P, Pazera P, Lussi A. The impact of ozone treatment on enamel physical properties. Am J Dent. 2006; 19(1):67-72.

[28] Sorokina S, Lukinych L. Ozone Therapy as a Part of a Complex Treatment of a Paradontium Disease. 2nd International Symposium on Ozone Applications Havana, Cuba – Mach 24-26, 1997.

[29] Nagayoshi M, Kitamura C, Fukuzumi T, Nishihara T, Terashita M. Antimicrobial effect of ozonated water on bacteria invading dentinal tubules. J Endod. 2004; 30(11):778-81.

[30] Huth K C, Jacob F M, Saugel B, Cappello C, Paschos E, Hollweck R, Hickel R, Brand K. Effect of ozone on oral cells compared with established antimicrobials. European Journal of Oral Sciences 2006; 114:435-440.

[31] Sechi L A, Lezcano I, Nunez N, Espim M, Duprè I, Pinna A. Antibacterial activity of ozonized sunflower oil (Oleozon). Journal Applied Microbiology 2001; 90:279-84.

[32] Thanomsub B, Anupunpisit V, Chanphetch S, Watcharachaipong T, Poonkhum R, Srisukonth C. Effects of ozone treatment on cell growth and ultrastructural changes in bacteria. J. Gen. Appl. Microbiol. 48(4): 193–199, 2002.

[33] Velano H E, Nascimento L C, Barros L M, Panzeri H. In vitro evaluation of the antibacterial activityof ozonized water against Staphylococcus aureus. Pesquisa Odontológica Brasileira 2001; 15(1):18-22.

[34] Hems R S, Gulabivala K, Ng Y L, Ready D, Spratt D A. An in vitroevaluation of the ability of ozone to kill a strain of Enterococcus faecalis. Int Endod J. 2005; 38:22–9.

[35] Estrela C, Estrela C R A, Decurcio D A, Hollanda A C B, Silva J A. Antimicrobial efficacy of ozonated water, gaseous ozone, sodium hypochlorite and chlorhexidine in infected human root canals. Int Endod J. 2007; 40:85-93.

[36] Macedo S B, Cardoso C C. The use of ozone in Dentistry. 16º Campinas International Conclave 2005; 115.


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