Ozone is a fascinating molecule, an activated form of molecular oxygen containing one extra oxygen atom and called O3. It a highly active unstable gas, which must be utilized within minutes of its production. Ozone has a multitude of medical uses, as an antibiotic effective against bacteria, viruses, molds and parasites, and as an anti-inflammatory agent to promote healing in orthopedic conditions and autoimmune diseases.
Last month I went to the first international congress for ozone use in dentistry and medicine. Presenters came from the US, Germany, South Africa, Egypt, Cuba and Brazil. Their research was remarkable.
Ozone has been adopted for dental application by 100,000 dentists around the world, but few in the United States. Because of its highly potent antibacterial properties, it is highly effective in treating periodontal disease, dental abscesses and root canals. Difficult to manage problems can be rapidly resolved using ozone. Aseptic necrosis of the mandible, a serious complication of bisphosphonate drugs used for osteoporosis, can heal with ozone. Children’s cavities can be treated without anesthetic injections and without drilling, with a topical application of ozone, leaving the kids smiling and with thumbs up.