OZONE IN DENTISTRY PART II

As discussed last month (in The Power of Ozone), ozone (O3) is bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal. The head is a breeding ground for all of these. Thus O3 would be a wonderful adjunct to our arsenal of treatments. This month I would like to discuss various applications of O3 in dentistry.
Bacterial InfectionsAny bacterial infection can be effectively treated with O3. Rinsing and gargling with ozonated water is effective for sore throats, ulcerations, abscesses and periodontal problems.

In the dental office irrigating pockets with O3 water and O3 gas is highly beneficial. Used in this manner, O3 not only helps arrest the progression of the disease but also helps prevent tooth decay. For some patients a custom tray that fits snugly over the teeth and gums can be made. O3 gas is then passed into the tray for a period of time every few months to help maintain periodontal health and prevent decay.

Teeth

O3 also serves as an excellent wash for teeth just prior to restoring them. It is similarly beneficial when a tooth nerve has been exposed. In the case of a nerve exposure, use of O3 water followed by O3 gas will often prevent the nerve from dying, thus preventing a root canal or extraction.

If a root canal is being performed, the use of O3 will maximize one’s best chances for success. By success, I mean that the tooth will not cause any systemic problems. Remember teeth are made up of millions of tubules. The bacteria in these tubules give off potent toxins that can travel throughout a person’s body and cause many health problems. (See my book, Whole-Body Dentistry, for more on this topic). Rinsing the canals with O3 water during treatment, followed by O3 gas, permeates the tubules and disinfects the tooth. Follow this with injections of O3 gas around the root of the tooth and the odds will increase that the tooth will be “tolerable”.

I would recommend periodic testing with EAV (Electrodermal Screening – see my book, Whole-Body Dentistry, or previous newsletter on this topic) to see if indeed the root canal is being well tolerated. If it is not, then O3 gas can be injected around the tooth, and then reassessed. This approach would also be appropriate for a tooth that had previously had a root canal and which did not test well.

Dental Surgery

Irrigation of a surgical site with O3 water will speed healing and help remineralize the bone. Thus, O3 water would be helpful for extractions, cavitational surgery, and implant surgery.

TMJ

Some practitioners find injection of O3 gas into the temporomandibular joint to be very therapeutic. Research is showing that a number of TMJ problems are associated with bacteria, viruses and fungi. These cause an inflammatory reaction resulting in TMJ pain. O3 gas not only kills the organisms, but reduces the inflammation and stimulates new cartilage growth.

Cavitations

Cavitations (holes in bone) frequently occur in the jawbones at the sites of previous extractions, especially in the area of the wisdom teeth. Cavitations may have systemic effects. Often surgery is done to clean out the area. One of the problems with the cavitational lesion is that it spreads into surrounding bone via small channels, and the infection can then move far from the original site. Surgically, it is virtually impossible to clean out the entire infection. One must get the major lesion and through use of homeopathics, various nutrients, light therapy, etc. encourage the body to take care of the rest. All of these approaches together may or may not be enough.

Ozone therapy greatly increases the odds of healing cavitations – without surgery. Because O3 kills the bugs, enhances the immune system, promotes remineralization of bone, etc. O3 gas injected directly into the cavitational site has remarkable effects. What is really incredible is that the gas will follow the infection. For example patients having an injection into the lower right wisdom tooth area, may report feeling a funny sensation in the jaw, sometime even as far away as the left wisdom tooth area.

When treating cavitations with O3, there is a protocol; it is important that the lymph system be functioning optimally. Thus there usually are certain things done in conjunction with injection into the cavitation to help ensure success.

Sinus Infections

In my experience, many patients have a chronic problem in the sinuses. Often a postnasal drip (PND) will offer a clue; however, sometimes there is no PND and the sinuses may appear OK on x-rays. Nevertheless, with energetic testing the sinuses will test positive for bacterial and often fungal problems.

Breathing O3 as it filters through olive oil along with treatment of the lymph system can often promote resolution of the sinus problem. Remember, it is very irritating to the lungs to breathe ozone – the ozone must first go through olive oil before breathing. (See last month’s newsletter).

Mouth Lesions

Ozonated olive oil can be made by passing O3 into the oil over a 24 hour period. The O3 oil has many uses; one of which is as a salve for the gums. While, not very tasty, it does deliver the O3.

Any type of ulcer or hepatic lesion can be helped by a combination of O3, and O3 water, and O3 olive oil.

For “cold sores” ozonated olive oil will speed recovery.

For apthous ulcers or any kind of oral ulcer, rinsing with ozonated water will accelerate healing. The ozone will also help with the pain.

As you can see, ozone, when used properly and in proper amounts can have a wide range of beneficial applications.

Unfortunately, ozone is not approved for use in this country. It is widely used in Europe and South America. However, an Institutional Review Board has been created to allow some practitioners to use ozone as part of a study to demonstrate ozone safety and effectiveness.

© 2007, Mark A. Breiner, DDS

The information presented is for educational purposes only. You should consult a qualified dentist or health practitioner for diagnosis and treatment. 

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