When most of us think of ozone, we think of the protective layer of the Earth’s atmosphere that helps shield us from too much ultraviolet radiation. But ozone is actually a type of oxygen, and in medicine, it has multiple therapeutic benefits.
Specifically in dentistry, ozone therapy is used to treat everything from dental decay to gum disease. Painless and quick, ozone application is frequently used alongside other treatments, like root canal therapy, to promote optimal healing.
At Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC, our team uses state-of-the-art ozone therapy to manage simple and complex oral health needs in our New York City patients. Here are four reasons why this therapy deserves your consideration.
Ozone is a powerful antibacterial agent, which makes it especially good at fighting the bacteria that cause tooth decay, gum disease, and other infections. In fact, its antimicrobial properties are so strong, it’s also good at fighting viruses, fungi, and parasites.
Ozone destroys pathogens by dissolving the bacterial cell wall, killing bacteria and disrupting bacterial growth. In oral health care, ozone helps destroy bacteria in your tooth and your gums, too, seeping into crevices and grooves where toothpaste and brushes can’t reach.
By targeting bacteria more effectively, ozone therapy treats existing problems while promoting optimal oral health in the future. It’s also effective in wound management and as a treatment during gum surgery to aid in healing.
Root canal is very effective in treating deeply decayed teeth so tooth loss is prevented. But sometimes, complicated canal anatomy makes it difficult to completely treat decay, leading to reinfection and a need for root canal retreatment.
Because ozone is delivered as a gas or a water-based infusion, it’s able to reach tiny canal structures that might be overlooked with traditional root canal techniques. That means the entire canal is disinfected more effectively, which in turn reduces the risks of reinfection and retreatment.
Your immune system plays an important role in controlling existing infections and preventing future infections, too. It also plays a role in healing.
In addition to destroying disease- and infection-causing bacteria, ozone therapy stimulates your immune system, enhancing its disease-fighting capabilities. In part, that’s because ozone therapy floods your tissues with oxygen, a necessary trigger for healing and recovery. Oxygen helps your body repair and replace damaged cells while restoring tissue health in areas of decay and disease.
Ozone therapy is also very effective in minimizing tooth sensitivity, inflammation, and discomfort. It does so in part by increasing oxygen availability and decreasing oxidative stress, a common factor in painful inflammation and cell damage.
Ozone therapy also promotes the release of natural chemicals that help reduce inflammation, relieving discomfort without invasive treatments or medication. That makes it especially effective in reducing discomfort during treatment and throughout postoperative recovery.
Ozone therapy is just one more way our team ensures every patient receives the most innovative, effective, tailored care available. To learn more about ozone therapy and how it can improve your oral health, call 929-229-0255 or book an appointment online at Compassionate Endodontists New York/NYC today.
