In Velio Bocci’s book, "Oxygen-Ozone Therapy, a Critical Evaluation," he writes of "the immense power that ozone possesses to benefit mankind if it is used properly."Ozone was first discovered in the 1800s and is simply a gas made up of three atoms of oxygen temporarily joined together. However, this arrangement of oxygen atoms is unstable and degrades fairly quickly at room temperature. This is the same substance that makes up the ozone layer that protects the earth from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet radiation.On the positive side, ozone is a very potent antiviral, antifungal, antiparasitic, and antibacterial agent. Because of antioxidants contained in human cell membranes, ozone is harmless as long as it’s delivered in small concentrations. Certain white blood cells in the human immune system produce ozone in very minute quantities to fight off disease. It is very highly soluble in water, making it ideal for just about any moist environment. This would certainly include the oral environment. In the initial stages of decay, tooth structure is affected by acid production from the numerous species of bacteria that colonize in the mouth. The bacteria present consume whatever nutrients they find in an oral environment and make more bacteria plus acidic waste products. These begin leeching the mineral content from the adjacent tooth structure upon contact.Slowly over time, if the conditions are not corrected, very small demineralized areas grow large enough to be detected by a dental exam, which may need restoration of some sort to arrest the damage from decay. If the decay isn’t stopped, further weakening of tooth structure results and can lead to tooth loss and
systemic infection.Ozone therapy can be used during many dental procedures, including fillings, crowns, and during extractions. It is used to ensure the areas are as clean and pathogen-free as possible before restorations are placed or surgical wounds are sutured. For individuals with high
caries (tooth decay) risk, custom trays are used.
Five steps for ozone therapy with custom trays:- Trays have an inlet and outlet for ozone delivery
- Trays are hooked up to suction for excess ozone elimination
- Ozone circulates through the tray and kills pathogens
- Permeable ozone reaches microscopic tubules in tooth structure
- Repeat the procedure
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Kevin M. Boehm, DDS, maintains a practice in Hoffman Estates, Ill. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana/Champaign in 1989 and his Doctorate in Dental Medicine from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 1994. He is currently pursuing his Doctor of Naturopathy, and is currently on staff at St. Alexius Medical Center. You may contact him by phone at (847) 884-1220.
