Ozone is negatively charged and by nature looks to neutralize anything with a positive charge. “Bad” cells – bacteria, viruses, cancer cells or free radicals, etc. – in our body typically carry positive charges on their cell membranes. “Good” cells will typically have anti-oxidants on their cell membranes and will deter surface oxygenation. Negatively charged cells will attract the ozone particle looking to neutralize its charge and the ozone will perforate the cell membrane and destroy it, thus destroying the “bad” cell.
Here at Synergy Dental we use ozone everyday with treatments and procedures for our patients. Most commonly with cleanings, extractions and under every filling Dr. Ulm places.
· Safe alternative to fluoride: Fluoride is used in conventional dentistry to remineralize softened enamel. Because ozone gas hardens enamel, it is a safe alternative to fluoride and can be done at regular cleanings and checkups in lieu of fluoride. Dr. Ulm recommends all his patients have ozone treatment at every checkup as part of routine dental care.
· Periodontal disease: Ozone can be used to help treat periodontal disease by using ozonated water flushed below the gum line and/or ozone gas infiltrated into the gum tissue and supporting tissues.
· Decay: Ozone can be used to kill decay-causing bacteria. Since ozone is a gas, it can permeate into areas below the gum line, into the grooves of teeth and over the smooth surfaces of the teeth and will kill bacteria on contact. If the decayed area, or cavity, is not too deep, then no restoration may be needed at all. When a filling is required, Dr. Ulm sterlizes the tooth surface with ozone before placing the filling.