Ozone Treatment for Dental Caries
Ozone Treatment Publicised Widely
UK, August 9, 2002
Ozone treatment for dental caries has been publicised widely in this week's
national press, which has heralded the new technology as the beginning of
the end for the dentist's drill.
Stories have promised that large numbers of patients would benefit from the
technology, which requires no drilling, fillings or injections. It involves
putting a plastic cap on a tooth and applying ozone for 10 seconds. The
ozone gas readily penetrates through decayed tissue, eliminating any
bacteria, fungi and viral contamination, removing the ecological niche of
cariogenic microorganisms, as well as priming the carious tissue for
remineralisation.
Earlier this year the research behind the technology was awarded at the
annual meeting of the International Association of Dental Research (IADR) in
San Diego.
Mirror & probe and x-rays are inaccurate
In many dental practices worldwide, caries detection depends on visual
recognition with the aid of a mirror, probe and x-ray analysis. However,
studies have shown that these traditional systems can be inaccurate.
Computerised analysis of digital radiographs, dyes and tests to look for the
propensity of the individual to decay may offer more accuracy. As a
profession, we are taught to amputate the diseased tissue from a tooth, and
we have a wide range of systems to help us, such as the traditional turbine,
diamond coated and carbide burs, ultra-sonic tips, air abrasion, and
chemicals. All are very effective, but they all amputate tooth tissue.
The theory of the development of a carious lesion is crucial to the
understanding of the new treatment to be discussed. The 'niche environment
theory' is now accepted to explain the process of initial colonisation
through to the development of acidophilic microorganisms in a specialised
niche environment. As the bacteria collect, for instance in a fissure, they
produce acid that leads demineralisation. To some extent this may be offset
by the host's normal neutral oral environment, but as the numbers of
acidophilic bacteria increase, the niche becomes predominately acidic. This
attracts more acid-producing bacterial species, and over time a cavity
forms. The process of niche development may take many years. We already know
from previous studies that decay can be reversed by improved oral care and
the use of mineral mouthwashes and dentifrices.
Caries removal has always relied on the amputation of diseased lesions.
There has been no simple way to eliminate caries without amputation therapy
for several reasons. About 450 bacterial species are involved in a mature
carious lesion and, over time, there is a change in the type and species of
the microorganisms involved from the process of colonisation, developing,
and mature carious lesion. Additionally, the acidic metabolites of these
bacteria are difficult to denature in the depths of a lesion. In most cases,
it is impossible to define the exact limits of a lesion, so we tend to
remove far more tissue than is actually required. In so doing, we severely
weaken the entire tooth structure.
Caries removal with ozone
The new caries elimination system, based on ozone (O3) gas, is delivered
through a hose and handpiece into a polymer cup that is placed around the
tooth surface to be treated. The ozone penetrates through the decayed
tissue, eliminating any bacteria, fungi and viral contamination. It also
denatures the acid metabolites of the bacteria.
When delivered in 10-second bursts, ozone gas at a concentration of 2,200
ppm can eliminate 99 per cent of the micro-flora, and so halt the decay
process.
The 'cleaned' lesion is then able to remineralise. Once remineralisation
begins, the naturally restored tissue has been shown to be far more
resistant to decay. As the acidic carious niche environment can take years
to establish, it is unlikely that the niche will redevelop before
remineralisation takes place. One important factor that needs to be
remembered is that during the initial stages, the treated areas of decay
will be relatively soft, and will not support any restoration.
Therefore, if a restoration is planned after ozone treatment, it should be
planned at the review appointment. By that time, the research data suggests
the remineralisation process will be well advanced, and the tissue hard
enough to support a restoration. In addition, waiting 3 months or more will
decrease the amount of tooth tissue that may have to be removed to obtain a
cosmetic result. This in turn preserves as much of the original tooth as
possible.
The medical profession has used ozone for over 100 years. Ozone has also
been used in commercial applications for over a century, and is used to
purify public water supplies in cities worldwide. Ozone is also used to
eliminate pollution in air supplies in hospitals and other buildings.
Research is being conducted to see what other applications it could have
within dentistry - from purifying waterlines to tooth whitening.
Our experience
To date, our results mirror those achieved by the team researching the ozone
treatment in Belfast. Our patients are as astounded as we have been at the
success of this painless technology.
We promote ozone treatment to our patients because it allows natural
remineralisation of decayed tooth tissue without the need for, in most
cases, an injection, drilling or filling. It is quick, non- invasive, and
the instant bacterial elimination is painless and less traumatic for the
patient.
Dental care is changing and there is a need for practitioners to change
their practice of dental care. As this technology becomes a topic of
interest in the national media, patients will begin requesting it. The
scientific research shows that the technology is effective. The mindset of
'amputation of tooth tissue' has to be changed. Every practitioner has a
duty of care and should therefore rethink their management of the detection
and management of decay in light of this new treatment.
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Ozone gas invention may stop tooth decay
Tuesday 6th August 2002
Dentists are testing a new system using ozone gas which may stop tooth
decay. The method uses a probe to deliver ozone gas to the decaying tooth.
It kills off bacteria inside the cavity, restoring the tooth to a more
healthy state. The procedure can take just 10 seconds and involves no
injections or drilling.
An airtight rubber cap is fitted around the affected tooth and the ozone
causes 'soft decay' to turn into harmless 'hard decay' which doesn't spread.
Scientists at Belfast University developed the technique. They say 10
seconds of ozone gets rid of 99% of micro-organisms.
The patient can then have a white filling straight away if the remaining
cavity is unsightly.
The university's Professor Edward Lynch said: "I experimented with a vast
array of chemicals and substances which didn't work. But, by trial and
error, I discovered ozone which eliminates the decay in a matter of
seconds."
Dr. Peter Murray, of James Hull Associates in Cardiff, is taking part in the
trials. He said: "This system is a real Godsend for those people who have
always had a fear of visiting the dentist. If we can identify the decay in
time, there will be no need for them to experience the drill in their
lifetime.''