While ozone therapy has been used by dentists all across Europe for decades, it has just started to gain popularity in the United States. Smiles by Shields hopes to make people more comfortable with this relatively new dental procedure by explaining what it is, how it works, and answering some of the most commonly asked questions people have about ozone therapy.

What is Ozone Therapy?

Ozone therapy relies upon the use of “super-charged” oxygen to treat a variety of dental problems ranging from tooth decay to gum disease. Using a complex scientific process, traditional oxygen – the stuff that you breathe on a daily basis – has an added oxygen atom added to it. Adding that additional atom turns traditional oxygen into an unstable gas that has disinfecting powers.

The disinfecting power of the ozone gas is helpful in the dental industry. It helps dentists because it can be used to kill harmful bacteria in the mouth that causes numerous dental problems.

Is Ozone Therapy Safe?

Yes! Ozone therapy is 100% safe. In fact, it may be safer than other dental procedures you have had performed in the past. It is safer because the ozone gas is 100% natural. Use of this natural substance reduces the amount of side effects you could experience from dental procedures.

What Dental Procedures Could Benefit from Ozone Therapy?

Any dental problem that is caused by harmful bacteria could benefit from the use of ozone therapy. Gum disease, cavities, mouth sores or ulcers, and extensive tooth decay are just some of the dental problems that can be treated with ozone therapy.

Dentists will usually use ozone therapy along with another dental procedure. Common procedures that are used with ozone therapy include deep cleaning of the gums and teeth, root canal treatment, dental extractions, and cavity fillings.

Why is Ozone Therapy Increasing in Popularity?

Ozone therapy is increasing in popularity because it allows dentists to safely treat their patients for tooth decay without having to remove a lot of the natural tooth. Without ozone therapy the only option to treat tooth decay was to drill into the tooth. This drilling removed some portions of the tooth that was healthy. That doesn’t happen with ozone therapy.

Ozone therapy will kill the bacteria that is causing tooth decay. Once the bacteria is killed the tooth is then left to heal on its own. Several months after the bacteria has been killed the tooth goes through a remineralization process that builds up the tooth’s structure.

Many times, depending upon the severity of the tooth decay, dentists can treat tooth decay with ozone therapy and not require any filling material to be used. If the tooth decay is severe a filling may be needed, but it will be smaller in size.

Other Important Information about Ozone Therapy Every Person Should Know

Other things about ozone therapy that prospective patients should know include:

• Teeth that have gone through the remineralization process will have a brown colored tint to it. If the tooth is in the front of the mouth, a filling may be needed to give you a more natural appearance.
• Drilling may be needed if the tooth decay is not easily accessible.
• Teeth that have gone through the remineralization process are often stronger and healthier. They are also more resistant to tooth decay.
• Many insurance companies still do not cover ozone therapy. However, it could save you money by helping you prevent future dental problems.
• Ozone therapy can be used to help if a filling needs to be replaced. The filling will be removed and then the ozone is pumped into the tooth to kill the existing decay. A new filling will then be placed.

Think ozone therapy might be right for you? Call Smiles by Shields to schedule an appointment with our holistic dentist. Our dentist will assess your situation and determine how ozone therapy can be used to help improve the health of your teeth, mouth, and gums. Call us now to schedule an appointment!