A Guide to Ozone Therapy in Dentistry From Start to Finish

Ozone is a colorless, naturally existing gas with a chemical structure made up of three oxygen atoms. According to research, ozone treatment can inactivate bacteria, fungi, viruses, yeast, and protozoa. It was discovered in the 1840s, and for the last 100 years, practitioners worldwide have used ozone therapy to deliver therapeutic effects through intravenous administration and site-specific injections.

Ozone therapy, unlike most traditional treatments, combats many oral issues without invasive or painful procedures. Since not all dental practices offer ozone treatments, finding a dentist’s office with such services can be very beneficial. This is because it has proven to be a gentle and effective way to care for teeth and gums.

How Ozone Therapy Can Reduce Dental Discomfort

Going for ozone therapy in Frisco, TX, can help relieve dental discomfort associated with certain oral conditions. Here is an overview of how ozone therapy treats different oral issues.

• Tooth decay

The prevention and management of dental decay is a primary concern for every dentist. According to researchers, the antibacterial properties of ozone therapy can prevent cavities in the fissures and pits on chewing surfaces of teeth from getting larger. In addition, ozone treatment may help disinfect decayed areas beneath dental restorations.

• TMJ pain

Unfortunately, at times the temporomandibular joint can become subject to various disorders that can limit your ability to chew and open your mouth normally as well as cause jaw pain. A study done by Medical Principles and Practice revealed that ozone injections could help alleviate the symptoms of people with TMJ disorders, indicating another potential and beneficial use for this therapy.

• Endodontics

Endodontic treatments such as root canals are usually recommended when a tooth’s pulp cavity becomes infected. A root canal is done to remove the infected tissues and restore normal tooth function. Ozone therapy can be helpful in the root canal procedure as it can be done to disinfect the pulp cavity and the tissues surrounding the tip of the tooth root preventing the spread of infection.

• Oral infections

Ozone can be used to treat infections affecting tissues in and around your oral cavity, including lesions and sinus infections caused by fungi and viruses.

Can Dentist Give You a Healthy Set of Gums with Ozone Therapy?

Ozone therapy is an effective way to treat dental patients suffering from gum disease. Periodontal/gum disease is typically caused by poor oral hygiene, mostly insufficient flossing and brushing habits which results in bacteria and plaque buildup. As the harmful bacteria around your teeth grow in numbers, your gums will become irritated and inflamed. With time the bacteria will cause periodontal pockets (gaps) to develop between your teeth and gums.

Without proper treatment from a dentist near you, abscesses may form, and at this point, you risk losing your teeth. Going for ozone therapy will help eliminate the bacteria causing gum disease and inflammation. Your dentist will get rid of the pathogens by bathing your gums in ozone, thus ensuring your mouth and gums stay healthy. Ozone treatment, which is applied directly to the gum tissue in water, gas, or oil form, will help disinfect the areas of gum infection.

Is Ozone Therapy Safe?

Ozone therapy has been used in dental practice since 1930, way longer than most common oral treatments. Its use is considered safe when done by a certified professional and at the right concentrations. Aside from alleviating dental issues, ozone therapy also has potential benefits, such as activating the immune system and improving oxygen delivery to tissues and blood circulation.

Just like other medical treatments, ozone therapy has its side effects, and the common ones include coughing and upper respiratory tract irritation. These side effects are, however, rare when ozone treatment is used in dentistry. Nevertheless, if you are concerned about the side effects ozone therapy may have on you, talk to your dental practitioner.

You should know that misusing ozone therapy puts you at a health risk. Inhaling too much-concentrated ozone can damage your lungs and cause throat irritation. Chances of such occurrences are, however, extremely low.

For more inquiries about ozone therapy in dentistry, book an appointment with Millennium Smiles and learn how this therapy can benefit your oral health from our dentist in Frisco, TX.