Ozone Therapy as a Treatment Method of Initial Caries

Objectives: Ozone therapy is a non-invasive method of initial caries treatment, especially recommended for lesions within pits and fissures, root surface and cervical region. The aim of the study was evaluation of ozone therapy effectiveness in treatment of initial caries in premolars with addition of topical application of fluorides. Methods: The study involved 180 premolars (90 tested and 90 controls) with initial caries on occlusal surface diagnosed during visual inspection. All the teeth were examined with laser fluorescence device DIAGNOdent (KaVo, Germany). The range of fluorescence values was 0-30, in which only prophylactic and non-invasive procedures are recommended by the manufacturer. Ninety teeth were treated with gaseous ozone (HealOzone, KaVo, Germany) according to fluorescence values: (0-13)-20s, (14-20)-40s, (21-30)-60s and then topical fluoride (Elmex gel) was applied on the occlusal surfaces of the teeth. Each ozone-treated tooth had its control with similar fluorescence value in the same patient. Control teeth (n=90) were not ozonated. The patients were advised to use fluoride toothpaste in daily brushing. After one year the measurements were carried out again. The data were analyzed by t-test (p<0,05). Results: No caries progression was observed in 59% of ozone-treated teeth after one year of single ozone application – analysis revealed 24% of teeth without any change and 35% with lower values of fluorescence. In controls, however, 38,9% of teeth showed no caries progression – 10% with no change and 28,9% with lower fluorescence values. The differences in fluorescence values between the first and second measurements were close to significance in ozone-treated teeth (p=0,09) and statistically significant in controls (p=0,03). Conclusions: Obtained results suggest decreased intensification of demineralization processes in ozone-treated teeth, however further studies evaluating more frequent application of ozone and topical fluorides are recommended.