Dental treatment is not the typical thing that comes to anyone’s mind when they first hear the word “ozone”. Most of us know about the ozone layer that protects the Earth from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. But nowadays, the ozone molecule has many uses in dentistry. Let’s have a look at the major benefits of dental ozone therapy and how it can improve your smile.
What Is Dental Ozone Therapy?
Ozone therapy has been used, typically as an adjunctive treatment, in many different medical and dental procedures for about a century. This technique has been refined a lot in the last few years. Advanced dental practices now use this therapy for treating issues like gum disease and cavities.
Dental ozone therapy uses the ozone molecule. It has three oxygen atoms. This gas has unique properties that can kill bacteria, viruses, and fungi, helping treat and prevent different dental infections.
Benefits of Ozone Therapy in Dentistry
Fights gum disease
Gum disease is one of the most prevalent dental issues in adults. As it progressively worsens, your gums and jawbone become weak, and you may even end up losing a few teeth.
Dental ozone therapy targets the root of this disease: bacteria. Dentists apply ozone in the form of gas, water, or oil, to disinfect your gums.
Because of its antimicrobial properties, it kills the harmful bacteria in your mouth and beneath gum pockets.
Treats minor cavities
Cavities are also a result of acid attacks from harmful bacteria in your mouth. Ozone therapy may help reduce bacteria associated with early tooth decay and support remineralization in selected cases. However, cavities that have progressed may still require traditional restorative treatment.
Helps with sensitivity, sores, and TMJ pain
Studies show that dental ozone therapy is quite beneficial for the treatment of tooth sensitivity. Some studies suggest ozone therapy may help reduce sensitivity by lowering bacterial activity and supporting remineralization when combined with appropriate preventive care.
It can also be very helpful in reducing canker sores and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) pain.
Less invasive
Most of the ozone dental treatments involve applying ozone directly to the outside of the tooth or gums. You don’t need needles, drills, or any other similar things that many patients feel scared of.
That’s the reason it is an excellent choice for those who have dental anxiety.
Natural and biocompatible
Some dental materials, especially those containing metals, are not a good option for those with known metal allergies. Dental ozone therapy, on the other hand, is a completely natural treatment.
The ozone molecule exists in nature, and dentists use it carefully for its strong oxidative properties to treat cavities and gum disease in a biocompatible way.
Summing Up
There are so many benefits of dental ozone therapy that are being discovered each year. If you’re interested in learning more about it and how it can work for your oral health, consult our qualified dental expert, Dr. Marilyn Jones, at Houston Biological Dentistry today. Call (713) 785-7767 to schedule a visit.