Dothan AL dentist explains: “What is ozone therapy?” and the many benefits of this revolutionary approach

Bacteria, fungus, and virus are at the root of oral health challenges and conditions. Researchers estimate 20 billion microbes live in the oral cavity and reproduce every 5 hours. Inadequate hygiene, high sugar diets, and insufficient management of medications and medical problems that depress saliva production, give rise to infections by promoting an unhealthy oral environment. Harmful bacteria and other disease-causing agents don’t stand a chance when they come in contact with the powerful oxidant and oxidizer that is ozone. Your Dothan Dentist Explains the Benefits of Ozone Therapy, a great complement to the array of holistic and biological dentistry services offered by Dr. Nathan Pfister, Dr. Brian Pfister, and the Biodentist Alabama team.

Understanding ozone

Most of the oxygen in the atmosphere is made of molecules that contain 2 oxygen atoms. Ozone’s molecules, however, contain 3 oxygen atoms. The “ozone layer” we hear about so much refers to the natural presence of ozone high in the stratosphere, where it both absorbs and protects us from harmful Ultraviolet-B light responsible for skin cancers. The third oxygen atom makes ozone extremely reactive. This atom attaches to other molecules, wherein lies the therapeutic power across myriad medical applications. In fact, the American College of Integrative Medicine and Dentistry reports hundreds of public research studies have been published on ozone’s use in dental procedures alone, with hundreds more spanning other types of medical uses ranging from autoimmune diseases to diabetic neuropathy. European water treatment researchers concluded that just 1 ozone molecule has the oxidizing power of more than 3,000 molecules of another oxidizer: chlorine. These researchers also found that ozone killed disease-causing organisms 3,500 times faster – and without side effects or leaving behind toxic byproducts.

Healthy cells contain antioxidant enzymes in their membranes, which is important because they function as a protectant against the oxidizers that would otherwise kill them. So, these cells aren’t harmed by therapeutic levels of ozone. Contrast this with bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites that contain little to no antioxidant enzymes, which makes them vulnerable to oxidants like ozone. When ozone penetrates their membranes, the cells rupture and die. A disinfected and sterilized environment is left behind, as is water and oxygen — unlike other oxidants with toxic byproducts like chlorine compounds. Furthermore, the biofilms that flourish in plaque, decay, and gum disease are made of diverse, complex microbe communities that persist despite the use of antibiotic agents. Yet, they dissolve with the use of oxidative agents like ozone.

Studies have also found that plasma cells produce ozone to destroy invading pathogens. In turn, ozone therapy is a natural treatment particularly well-suited to holistic and biological dental practices. Since the process of ozone production occurs naturally in the immune system, risks of allergic reactions and contraindications are also avoided.

These characteristics make ozone a revolutionary therapy for dentistry; instead of treating the symptoms of many oral conditions, ozone addresses the root causes as a proactive approach.

Prevent and protect

Ozonated water is routinely used in dentistry as a pretreatment rinse to disinfect the oral cavity or as part of recall cleanings and hygiene appointments at Biodentist Alabama. It is also a great disinfectant for dental equipment, such as water supply bottles and reservoirs, and protects you and dental staff from the aerosol contaminants that are produced by high-speed instruments and water spray from syringes. As a gas, ozone may be used in other preventive procedures; for instance, before the placement of dental sealants designed to prevent food debris and bacteria from collecting in the pitted, grooved surfaces of back teeth.

Treat and restore

All oral infections may be treated using oxygen and water, thanks to a combination of ozonated water and pure oxygen or oxygen gas. Ozone in these forms is appropriate across treatment locations and types of infections.

• Ozonated water is used for cavity and crown preparation, and to sterilize the treatment sites. Oxidizing pathogens creates a healthy surface for treatment, enhances bonding strength, and decreases or eliminates post-operative sensitivity. It’s also a great pretreatment to irrigate the periodontal pockets that form between the teeth and gums.
• Customized ozone trays allow for the total saturation of gum tissues, and at the margins of existing restorations. Ozone can be applied to prevent decay and aid in the recalcification of areas with minimally-invasive cavities.
• Ozone gas reaches and penetrates the decayed dentin layer of the tooth underneath the enamel, the tubules in the dentin. These areas can’t be reached by antibiotics or disinfectants.
• Ozone gas and water are used throughout oral surgery procedures to aid in sanitizing surgical after a tooth has been removed. Ozone with other modalities is used through out the world to treat jawbone infections such as osteonecrosis.

Ozone represents a conservative therapy that unlocks your body’s natural healing capacity, improves immune system response, increases the delivery of oxygen to the tissues that need it most, and restores a healthy oral environment. Experience the many benefits. Call (855) 939-5566 to schedule an appointment at Biodentist Alabama in Dothan.