Ozone therapy in dentistry: From traditional applications towards innovative ones. A review of the literature

Abstract

Ozone (03) is a natural gas deriving from dioxygen (02) and acting as a strong oxidant. Despite this characteristic, low doses of ozone can be beneficial for the organism due to the antioxidant response implemented by this latter. Accordingly, since the 19th century, several therapeutic applications have been proposed in medicine, but even dental pathologies can benefit from the use of this substance. In particular, the introduction of ozone therapy in dentistry dates to 1930 when it was proposed as a disinfectant and wound-healing agent. Nowadays, it is known as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, anti-hypoxic, biosynthetic and antimicrobial agent. The main forms of ozone administration are three (gaseous ozone, ozonated water and ozonated oils) but its therapeutic indications almost cover every field of dentistry. The aim of the present review is first to describe the main traditional uses of ozone in dentistry, and, subsequently, to present the innovative applications proposed both in dental and orthopaedic implantology.