Ozone treatment for teeth – how does it work?
Bacteria live in all of our mouths but there are many different types of bacteria and not everyone has the same number or type. Some bacteria are harmless and others, in particular Streptococcus mutans cause cavities to form in teeth.
The number and types of bacteria that exist in any individual’s mouth are determined by those we were given by our parents as a baby, our present diet, general health and the cleanliness of our mouth.
Bacteria that live in the mouth have adapted themselves to survive there. They produce a sticky substance that allows them to adhere to tooth surfaces (plaque) and they are camouflaged to the colour of teeth so that they are difficult to see.
Plaque bacteria consume sugars present in the mouth from our diet, these are converted to harmful acids and if left in contact with the tooth surface over a long period of time, dissolve the enamel.
If the plaque is completely removed from the tooth, by brushing on a twice daily basis, these acids have no long term effect on the tooth. Saliva has lots of minerals in it that will repair very small areas of dissolved enamel with a new precipitate.
When an area of damaged enamel becomes quite large, the bacteria are able to lodge themselves into the softened structure of the tooth beyond the reach of a toothbrush or any mouthwash and this is the beginning of a cavity.
We are accustomed to dental treatment that involves removal of the infected portion of tooth once the decay has been identified and replacement with a filling. This results in weakening and eventually breakage of the tooth, the margins around the filling are much more susceptible to further infection by bacteria and are often very difficult to keep clean so new decay often occurs around fillings.
Instead of irreversibly amputating and removing portions of damaged tooth, ozone treatment seeks to minimize removal of infected tooth by sterilising it. Ozone gas delivered to the surface of the tooth via a silicone rubber cup placed over it, penetrates a few millimetres into infected tooth killing the bacteria and neutralising the acids. Disturbance of the bacteria and oxidation of the harmful acids provides the opportunity for new mineral from saliva, mouthwash, toothpaste or special varnishes to be precipitated back into the tooth, hardening it again. Once this hardening has occurred the surface of the tooth can be sealed to protect it from further damage and restore its original appearance.
Killing the bacteria in teeth can also eliminate sensitivity and is also considered beneficial prior to placement of fillings and crowns where there is a risk that harmful bacteria may be trapped deep inside a tooth following conventional dental treatments.
Success with ozone treatment for teeth depends on the following further personal actions:
- Ensuring that the tooth or teeth are kept clear of bacterial plaque by regular and effective toothbrushing
- Making your mouth an inhospitable place for harmful bacteria
- Minimizing the frequency of intake of sugary foods and drinks
- Reducing the intake of acidic drinks
- Use of fluoride toothpaste and mouthwash
- Use of xylitol artificial sweetener (found in diabetic confectionary and some chewing gum and mouthwashes) as a substitute for sugar or as a preventive measure in the form of chewing gum or mouthwash.
- Increasing the resistance of your teeth to further acid attack.
- Long term regular use of fluoride mouthwash and toothpaste
Sealants applied to teeth in selected sites.
Frequently asked questions
How long will the treatment take?
Each treatment is very quick, between 10 and 40 seconds, repeated on average at monthly intervals until the tooth re-hardens. Total treatment time is between three and six months.
Is ozone treatment a complete alternative to fillings?
No, new cavities, detected early can be treated without any tooth removal. Once the cavity is quite deep some tooth must be removed either with a drill or air abrasion to allow the ozone to penetrate to the infected portion of the tooth. This is usually painless. Old fillings requiring replacement also still need to be removed with a drill.
Is ozone treatment always successful?
No, there are many reasons why ozone may not work in some cases, however we expect 90% of teeth to respond to treatment provided that all the care instructions are followed during the treatment period.
How quickly can you tell that the treatment is working?
At about 4-8 weeks.
Is the treatment painful?
No. We sometimes have to remove a small amount of enamel to allow the ozone to penetrate into the cavity but this is generally painless too.
Is this an expensive treatment option?
No, in the short term it costs about the same as a filling but the potential long term benefit is the maintenance of an intact, healthy tooth which is much less likely to require further expensive treatment in the future.
Ozone is an invisible gas, how do you know that it is really reaching my tooth?
Ozone will cause latex rubber to disintegrate. Application to an examination glove prior to treatment will prove that the gas is being delivered.
Will the damaged tooth re-grow?
No. The tooth will not change in appearance at all as a result of the ozone treatment. Once the tooth ahs re-hardened however, it is possible to cover any marks or unsightly staining with a durable tooth-coloured material.
Will I experience pain after the treatment?
No. We often use ozone to eliminate sensitivity in teeth and patients often report almost immediate relief from symptoms in treated teeth.
Ozone treatment is very new, is there clinical research to support it?
Yes, treatment of early cavities in the occlusal (biting) and root surfaces of teeth has been researched and proven. Further research is in progress.
Ozone is a pollutant, doesn’t that mean that it is dangerous?
Ozone for dental treatment is carefully controlled and applied to the tooth via a silicone rubber seal. If the seal is broken, delivery stops. Once treatment is completed the residue gas (mostly oxygen) is pumped away. Ozone can damage lung tissue as it is absorbed into the fluid covering lung cells but the HealozoneTM device ensures that the ozone is only delivered to the tooth requiring treatment.
What are the potential future health risks which may be caused by ozone treatment?
None , provided that the equipment is well maintained. Our machine is checked weekly and serviced six monthly according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Are there any other uses for ozone in dentistry?
Yes. Some clinicians have found that painful ulcers respond well to a short exposure to ozone, healing very rapidly. The ozone is a powerful sterilising agent and is being investigated for its uses in sterilising instruments, cleaning the water supply in the surgery and enhancing other treatments.