Ozone Therapy in Periodontics: A Review

Abstract

Oral cavity is in dynamic interaction with external environment exposing it to various microorganisms their colonization and the host defense that aimed for their removal. Formation and development of dental biofilm and its potential to harbor specific microorganisms is directly linked with some of the most common oral ailments like dental caries diseases affecting periodontium. The conventional protocol to treat such ailments primarily include removal of biofilm along with adjunctive course of antibiotics. However these modalities have limitations in their efficacy. Ozone is a natural gas present in the earth stratosphere and acts as a potent oxidant. At low doses ozone has several favorable therapeutic applications in medicine as well as in dental pathologies. Particularly ozone as a treatment modality was used for the first time in dentistry in the 1930s when it was proposed as a disinfectant and wound-healing agent. Owing to its strong oxidation property with the formation of free radicals and its capacity to directly destruct almost all microorganisms it is known as a potential antioxidant anti-inflammatory immunomodulatory anti-hypoxic biosynthetic and antimicrobial agent. In addition ozone has a therapeutic effect that promotes wound healing and improves blood supply. Three most common forms in which ozone can be administered for its therapeutic use are gaseous aqueous and oil forms out of which the gaseous application of ozone is critically evaluated because of its possible side effects on the respiratory system. The objective of the current article was to compile and document various application of ozone in the field of periodontology. Research was based on peer-reviewed sources found through MedlinePubMed Google scholar search and other reviews and journals.