The use of medical ozone in dentistry

Abstract

Background: Lately, due to a higher incidence rate of infections, as a result of a decreased immuno-inflammatory response capacity of the human body and an expanded role of viral agents in triggering inflammatory diseases, the interest for the use of medical ozone has increased significantly. The reason for this growth of popularity lies in the fact that medical ozone has antimicrobial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antioxidant and other properties; it is not a pharmacological product, but rather a “hormetic stress” [18], a pure ecologic physico-chemical factor with multiple biological effects [19]. Conclusions: The action of medical ozone on the human body is diverse and multidirectional. The pharmacological effect of medical ozone represents the so-called “hormesis” phenomenon, and this effect is triggered by short chains of hydroxides – hydro-peroxides, also defined as ozone peroxides. Medical ozone possesses antalgic, anti-inflammatory, anti-edematous, antioxidant, myorelaxant, detoxing, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antifungal effects, it activates the cellular metabolic processes, stimulates oxygen metabolism and improves rheological properties of blood. In dentistry, medical ozone is used on its own or in combination with other treatment methods. At the same time, the aspects of the use of medical ozone in clinical periodontology requires additional research.