Are You a Candidate for Dental Ozone Therapy? Here’s What You Need to Know
The goal of dental care is to provide treatments that promote balanced oral and total body health, not just to preserve your smile. If you feel strongly about holistic health, you’re likely looking for a dental office that uses natural remedies like mercury-free fillings or ozone therapy near you.
Because of its systemic health benefits, ozone therapy is becoming increasingly popular in holistic dental care. However, successful treatment depends on identifying the right candidates for this therapy.
What Is Ozone Therapy?
Ozone therapy is the process of treating a wound or illness by introducing ozone gas into the body. It uses medical-grade ozone produced by an ozone generator. Ozone is a colorless gas composed of three oxygen atoms (O3).
The goal of ozone therapy is to raise your body's oxygen content. A 2018 study found that ozone forms more proteins and red blood cells when interacting with bodily fluids, increasing your body's supply of oxygen. By encouraging cell regeneration, ozone can strengthen your immune system and aid in healing.
This cutting-edge treatment has revolutionized holistic dental health, improving oral health in patients.
Benefits of Ozone Therapy in Dentistry
Ozone therapy is growing in popularity because of its health benefits, including its antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It can be applied to any type of inflammation, whether localized in a wound or caused by systemic conditions like diabetes or arthritis.
In dentistry, ozone therapy offers a number of advantages, such as:
It is minimally invasive, as it targets trouble spots without surgery.
It speeds up tissue regeneration and healing.
It helps with teeth desensitization and the natural treatment of small cavities.
It increases oxygen delivery to your cells, tissues, and organs due to improved blood circulation.
It inhibits the growth and survival of bacteria, viruses, and fungi.
It enhances the body's antioxidant defenses against free radical damage, potentially reducing inflammation-driven chronic diseases.
Who’s a Good Candidate for Ozone Therapy in Dentistry?
Ozone therapy is a key ally to holistic dental care because it can eliminate bacteria and foster healing while being minimally invasive. Most individuals can benefit from dental ozone therapy, especially those who:
Have Minimal Decay: If you have cavities or decay in your teeth, ozone can help stop the decay and encourage remineralization without drilling.
Suffer From Gum Disease: Ozone's antimicrobial qualities aid in lowering the bacterial load and inflammation in periodontal pockets if you have gum disease (gingivitis or periodontitis).
Have Sensitive Teeth: If you have sensitive teeth, ozone therapy can help you feel better by desensitizing exposed dentin.
Need a Root Canal: Ozone is a great option for patients who need root canals because it efficiently cleans the root canal system, increasing the procedure's success rate. This results in faster healing and decreased chances of infection.
Want to Avoid Chemicals: Ozone therapy might be a good fit for people who prefer noninvasive and chemical-free treatments and are looking for alternatives to conventional dental procedures.
Look for Natural Treatment Options: Ozone therapy is drug-free, making it suitable for individuals with specific sensitivities or allergies to certain medications.
Who Is Not a Candidate for Ozone Therapy in Dentistry?
While ozone therapy offers numerous benefits in dental care, it is unsuitable for everyone. Certain individuals should avoid this treatment due to potential health risks and contraindications.
We encourage these patient groups to avoid ozone therapy or consult their main healthcare provider before undergoing it:
Pregnant Individuals: Ozone therapy should not be used during pregnancy due to potential risks to fetal development.
Individuals with Glucose-6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase (G6PD) Deficiency: Those with G6PD deficiency are at risk of hemolysis when exposed to oxidative agents like ozone.
Patients with Hyperthyroidism: Ozone therapy can exacerbate symptoms in individuals with overactive thyroid glands.
Individuals with Severe Anemia: Ozone's oxidative properties may further reduce oxygen-carrying capacity in anemic patients.
Patients with Severe Myasthenia Gravis: Ozone therapy is not recommended for individuals with this neuromuscular disorder due to the potential exacerbation of symptoms.
Individuals Experiencing Active Hemorrhage: Ozone therapy may interfere with blood clotting mechanisms, posing risks during active bleeding episodes.
Patients with Uncontrolled Cardiopulmonary Conditions: Those with severe heart or lung diseases may experience adverse effects from ozone therapy.
Individuals with Epilepsy: Ozone therapy may lower the seizure threshold, increasing the risk of seizures in epileptic patients.
How Is Ozone Therapy Administered?
During dental procedures, dentists directly apply ozone to the affected oral regions. Depending on the treatment's requirements, we can use it as gas, water, or oil. Inhaling ozone gas is not recommended because it can irritate your lungs and cause fluid buildup, so we’re careful to apply it only in the localized area.
Some safe methods for administering ozone in dentistry include:
Ozone Gas Injection: The dentist covers the affected area with ozone gas using this method. Ozone gas promotes the body's natural healing process and destroys bacteria.
Ozone Steam Sauna: This procedure uses warm ozone steam to cleanse the oral environment. By getting into the nooks and crannies of the mouth and other hard-to-reach areas, the steam efficiently gets rid of the bacteria and parasites that lead to dental diseases.
After the procedure, it's common to feel a little sensitive or uneasy, but this should pass in a few hours.
Discover If You’re a Good Candidate for Ozone Therapy Near You
Medical ozone has been used to disinfect medical supplies and treat conditions for over 100 years. While ozone therapy is generally safe when administered by trained professionals, it is crucial to ensure that ozone is delivered at appropriate concentrations and through correct methods to avoid potential side effects.
Ensure your dentist offers the service and their clinicians are trained and skilled to perform the procedure. If you’d like to learn more about this treatment from a reliable dental team, contact Black Bear Dental for more information!
