Greenville, SC dental office harnesses a powerful medicine: ozone therapy

There are thousands of dental materials to choose from, but holistic or biological dentists only use those techniques and products that enhance your health and well-being. While this may seem like an obvious approach, dentists have used metals that are not tissue-friendly and pose toxicity and allergy risks for more than a century. Arguably, the most prominent example of this is so-called silver fillings made from an amalgam that contains mercury – a known toxin. People may think of ozone as a toxin or pollutant. The reality is, dental ozone complements our office’s array of safe, healthy biological approaches. The Palmer Distinctive Dentistry team in Greenville has welcomed ozone therapy with open arms – and so have our thrilled guests!

The truth about ozone

Many people are confused about ozone, because it’s commonly associated with a negative phenomenon: the depletion of the ozone layer that protects the planet from intense Ultraviolet B radiation emitted by the sun. When this protective layer is depleted, more UVB makes its way to the earth’s surface. UVB is associated with skin cancers and cataracts, impairs plant growth, endangers marine ecosystems – a whole host of issues with big implications for the planet and population.

A colorless gas, ozone is a proven medical powerhouse. Ozone has been used as a therapy since its discovery in the mid-1800s. In 1929, several leading healthcare organizations in the United States isolated 114 diseases as responsive to ozone treatment. In the following decade, dental guests in Europe began benefiting from ozone. So, ozone therapy may be new to you, but its applications have been heavily scrutinized and its reputation as a safe, reliable, and versatile healer has been demonstrated for more than a century.

What is ozone exactly?

Ozone is referred to as energized oxygen. A reactive form of oxygen, ozone contains three atoms. It wants to shake off an atom and return to more stable oxygen. During this process, ozone produces phenomenal therapeutic effects. The oxygen relinquished as part of this process is, in dental applications, forced underneath the surface of the tooth. Decay-producing bacteria are killed, and bacterial waste is removed. When administered adeptly and precisely by Drs. Palmer and Adams, medical-grade ozone also disinfects, prevents and treats decay and gum disease, and deactivates other harmful substances including viruses and fungi.

How ozone works

Ozone has such a destructive effect on decay- and disease-causing bacteria because it disrupts their cell envelopes. It interferes with a fungi cell’s ability to grow and inhibits the virus-to-cell contact that allows these tiny infectious organisms to flourish. Ozone therapy is also associated with an increase in the amount of oxygen released to tissues, and in activating immune system response. Diabetes and other medical conditions are linked to oxidative stress. Diabetics also tend to have oral health complications such as gum disease, and gum disease is implicated in the development of diabetes and poor diabetes control. Ozone’s antioxidative properties have been found to favorably affect glycemia levels. That means better diabetes management, and a healthier smile for our guests.

Additionally, ozone therapy is considered both an alternative to antibiotics use and to invasive surgical procedures such as those to treat periodontal disease. The widespread use of antibiotics has resulted in bacterial pathogens evolving to the point where some strains resist the drug, reducing its effectiveness. These antibiotics-resistant strains have also posed serious public health threats in settings such as hospitals and senior care centers. As it relates to gum disease, our dentists start with a thorough cleaning and then apply ozone to eliminate harmful bacteria.

What to expect during your appointment

Ozone doesn’t require anesthetic, and it may be administered as a liquid or gas. Your mouth may be rinsed and disinfected with oxygenated water. When mixed with liquids like olive and jojoba oils, ozone may be applied as an antimicrobial compound: ozonide.

Using a customized handpiece or dental trays, your dentist may deliver ozone gas into pockets between the teeth and gums, protecting against or managing and reversing the effects of periodontal disease.

Guests have enjoyed the many benefits of healthier, happier dentistry with ozone at Palmer Distinctive Dentistry:

• Low risk of side effects
• Nontoxic and biocompatible – white blood cells produce ozone naturally to kill dangerous pathogens
• Safe for children, and guests with sensitivities and allergies
• Promotes healthy, fast healing and bone recovery

From annoying cold and canker sores to disruptive tooth sensitivity and infected root canals, many oral conditions may be safely, quickly, and comfortably treated with ozone therapy. Call to schedule an appointment and find out how you may benefit from ozone.

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