Ozone and Healozone
Ozone (O3) is a naturally occurring gas composed of oxygen atoms, and it is the most powerful oxidant known to man. Although the use of ozone is relatively new in dentistry, it has been used in human medicine since the beginning of the twentieth century. There have been no reported side effects to the use of ozone and the application of ozone to a tooth is completely PAIN FREE!
Ozone is applied to the tooth using the HEALOZONE appliance for the treatment and prevention of dental caries. Dental experts have found that 99.9% of the bacteria that caused tooth decay were eliminated after a 20 second exposure to ozone. |
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In some cases we have been able to eliminate the use of the dental drill!
We use it extensively for the following:
- prevention of dental caries progression
- neck of the tooth caries, especially in adults
- extremely sensitive teeth
biting surface caries, especially in children
Other possible uses:
- treatment of mouth ulcers and cold sores
- sterilisation of root canals in root canal treatment
- treatment of painful dry sockets
The treatment by ozone is often classified into at least 3 stages
- Diagnosis
- Treatment phase - the application of ozone
- Healing and repair phase - placement of the restoration
Diagnosis
Often the suspected visual presence of dental caries is confirmed using a device known as a Diagnodent. The absolute latest in caries diagnostic technology, the diagnodent emits a fluorescent light which alerts us to any change in the pathological composition of the tooth. Diagnodent is an extremely sensitive technique which often prevents the need for digital radiographs. It is also completely pain free.
Treatment phase - the application of ozone
Often the tooth will require a little ‘clean’ prior to the application of ozone to the tooth and this is performed using an air abrasion unit. In medium to large lesions, the area may need to be opened up with the high speed handpiece to enable adequate ozone exposure. This may or may not require local anaesthetic.
To apply the ozone, a suction cap-like tip is placed over the tooth to be treated and held in place for 40 seconds. During this time ozone is released. This is completely pain free.
In small lesions, the application of the ozone is followed by a fluoride releasing fissure sealant and your Dental Therapist or Dentist may or may not prescribe a re-mineralising kit. The treatment of small lesions is drill free and pain free.
Healing and Repair phase - placement of the restoration
In medium to large lesions, the damaged tooth needs to be repaired with a fantastic new material known as FUJI VII. Fuji VII has been specifically designed for this area of dentistry known as ‘minimal intervention dentistry’. Fuji VII releases very high levels of fluoride and allows calcium and phosphate from saliva to permeate through to allow the tooth to naturally remineralise and repair itself.
In larger lesions, a re-mineralisation kit will often be prescribed. The kit increases the success levels of the treatment by maximising mineral uptake. Along with great oral hygiene the tooth is well on the way to making a recovery.
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