Ozone Water

Ozonated water is increasingly being used in dentistry as a natural antimicrobial agent to help treat and prevent dental infections, particularly in periodontal and peri-implant diseases. Ozone (O₃), a triatomic form of oxygen, has strong oxidative properties that make it highly effective against bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa without the risk of developing resistance, unlike antibiotics.

How Ozonated Water Works

When ozone gas is dissolved in water, it creates ozonated water, which maintains ozone’s antimicrobial properties in a safe, biocompatible liquid form.
Upon contact, ozone oxidizes the cell walls of microorganisms, leading to rapid cell lysis and death.
Ozonated water also increases local oxygen availability, which helps support tissue healing and regeneration.

Clinical Applications in Dentistry

1. Periodontal Therapy

Used as an irrigant during scaling and root planing.
Effectively reduces the microbial load in deep periodontal pockets, including anaerobic bacteria like Porphyromonas gingivalis and Treponema denticola.
Promotes faster healing of gingival tissues and reduces inflammation.

2. Peri-implant Mucositis & Peri-implantitis

Ozonated water can be used to irrigate peri-implant sulci.
Helps decontaminate the implant surface and surrounding tissues without harming the titanium surface or soft tissues.
May support re-osseointegration in early peri-implantitis when used as part of a comprehensive protocol.

3. Endodontic Treatment

Serves as an irrigant in root canal therapy, especially as an adjunct to traditional agents like sodium hypochlorite.
Penetrates dentinal tubules and eliminates resistant microorganisms such as Enterococcus faecalis.

4. Surgical Applications

Used to rinse extraction sites, implant placements, and post-operative areas.
Reduces the risk of dry sockets, infection, and promotes hemostasis and faster healing.

Advantages of Ozonated Water in Dental Care

Broad-spectrum antimicrobial without toxicity to human cells at therapeutic concentrations.
Non-allergenic and non-mutagenic.
Improves tissue oxygenation, enhancing the healing response.
Leaves no residue or resistance, unlike chemical antiseptics or antibiotics.

Limitations and Considerations

Ozone is unstable and must be generated chairside immediately before use.
Requires specialized equipment, such as an ozone generator.
Proper training is essential for safe and effective use.