Antibacterial effect of HealOzone and comparison with two bonding systems

Objectives: The aim of this in vitro study was to evaluate the antibacterial effect of the HealOzone device on Streptococcus mutans and to compare it with two dentin bonding systems using a tooth cavity model. Methods: Thirty-five human third molars were randomly divided in five groups (28 cavities each). After sterilization, the teeth were left in broth culture of 10⁶ CFU/ml of S.mutans at 36°C for 48 hours for allowing the bacteria to invade the cavity. In each group, the appropriate treatment followed (Group A: control group, Group B: treatment with Clearfil SE Bond, Group C: treatment with Clearfil Protect Bond, Group D: 40 s ozone application and Group E: 80 s ozone application) and the cavities were filled with composite-resin. The teeth were kept in physiologic saline solution at 36°C. After 72 hours the restoration was removed, dentin chips were collected from the cavities with an excavator and the number of micro-organisms was determined. The data were statistically analysed (ANOVA, Tukey's, p<0.05). Results: The mean values and SD of S. mutans (CFU/g) of each group, after 72 h were: 4.7 x 10⁶ (1.2 x 10⁷) for the control group, 6.5 x 10³ (1.1 x 10⁴) for the Clearfil SE Bond, 2.6 x 10³ (6.3 x 10³) for the Clearfil Protect Bond, 3.1 x 10⁵ (5.4 x 10⁵) for the 40 s of HealOzone and 1.3 x 10⁴ (3.2 x 10⁴) for the of HealOzone. All treatments reduced significantly (p<0.001) the amount of S. mutans compared to control group. The antimicrobial effect of both bonding systems and the 80 s ozone was significantly higher (p<0.05) compared to the 40 s. Conclusions: Such HealOzone as both the dentin bonding systems can provide a satisfying antimicrobial effect against S. mutans.