Dr. Gandhi is all about helping patients achieve improved overall wellness through top-quality dental care. This holistic approach has inspired her to offer a number of
advanced services
to her Murphy patients, including ozone therapy. It is a unique and powerful service that has the potential to kill bacteria and support your smile’s health. Would you like to learn more about it? Read on below, and
get in touch with us
when you are ready to book an appointment.
Why Choose Murphy Dental Home for Ozone Therapy?
Not Available at All Dental Practices
Safe & Noninvasive Treatment
Conservative Approach that Benefits Overall Wellness
What Is Ozone Therapy?
When you hear about ozone, you probably think of your planet’s atmosphere. Indeed, this molecule plays a big role in protecting our planet. However, it also has some useful applications closer to earth. In fact, it is often used in dental and medical settings.
One of ozone’s most remarkable properties is its ability to kill harmful bacteria. When it is used in the mouth, its unstable nature sparks a reaction known as a transient oxidative burst. Bacteria simply cannot defend themselves against this reaction, so they die off very quickly.
Ozone also stimulates a number of important bodily functions. For example, it can encourage the oral tissues to heal and promote a healthy immune system.
How Does Ozone Therapy Work in Dentistry?
We have an ozone generator in our office that creates ozone out of oxygen (an ozone molecule is simply three oxygen atoms bonded together). What we apply to the oral tissues is not pure ozone. Rather, it contains ozone, the regular oxygen that humans breathe, and trace amounts of other substances.
When properly applied, ozone can be used a number of ways in dentistry. For example, Dr. Gandhi may use it to:
Perform periodontal therapy.
Gum disease is an infection of the gum tissue. By using ozone in the pockets between the teeth and gums, our team can help you recover.
Address cavities.
In conventional dentistry, it is normal for practitioners to use a drill to remove decayed tissue from inside a tooth before they place a filling. Ozone can kill bacteria and reduce or eliminate the need for a drill.
Sterilize a tooth during root canal therapy.
Ozone can eliminate bacteria from inside a tooth, greatly reducing the risk that root canal retreatment will be necessary in the future.
Provide other benefits.
Evidence supports the use of ozone for promoting a fast recovery after tooth extractions, reducing dental sensitivity, and more.
Benefits of Ozone Therapy
Some noteworthy benefits of ozone therapy include:
It is very effective at killing bacteria.
It can reduce the need for drilling.
Because ozone is composed of oxygen atoms, it is virtually impossible for it to instigate an allergic reaction.
It is very safe when properly administered.
It converts to regular oxygen (o2) within 30 minutes or so of use, so it will not linger in your body for a long time.
It is painless and noninvasive.
Ozone Therapy FAQs
Is Ozone Therapy Safe?
When administered by a qualified professional like Dr. Gandhi, ozone therapy in Murphy is quite safe. Our team carefully controls the concentration of ozone so that it stays within safe, non-toxic ranges. In fact, some holistic dentists believe that ozone therapy is much safer than other chemical-based treatments like fluoride.
Not only is ozone therapy safe, but it can also help speed up healing and recovery. This is one reason why we like to use it for periodontal disease, cavity treatment, and root canals.
Does Ozone Therapy Hurt?
Ozone therapy is considered to be quite painless. It’s minimally invasive and doesn’t require the use of needles, so most patients find it to be a comfortable process. You may feel a gentle stream of air or water when we apply the ozone, but otherwise shouldn’t feel any outright pain or discomfort.
If you have sensitive teeth or gums, please let us know. We’ll be happy to work with you to make sure you’re comfortable during your appointment.
Can I Drive Myself Home After Ozone Therapy?
Because ozone is a natural compound found in the air we breathe and doesn’t have any sedative effects, you’ll be able to drive yourself home after ozone therapy in Murphy. Your alertness and fine motor skills should remain unaffected.
Plus, remember that the ozone itself will quickly be converted to oxygen. Like nitrous oxide, it doesn’t stay in the body for long.
Does Ozone Therapy Have Any Side Effects?
Some patients smell or taste ozone during application. However, these sensations are typically fleeting and don’t last long after the appointment. There are no other known side effects of dental ozone therapy, so you should be able to resume your daily activities without issue.
Because of this, ozone therapy can be an excellent option for those who take certain medications that interact poorly with alternatives, or who have specific allergies and sensitivities. Rest assured, it is a very minimal treatment!
How Long Does an Ozone Therapy Session Take?
The process of applying the ozone typically only takes a minute or two. All we really have to do is point the ozone towards each affected area of the mouth and wait for it to “spread” through the tissue and bone.
We love using ozone therapy alongside more complex procedures because it is such a quick and easy way to promote recovery and eliminate harmful bacteria.
