Oxidative Medicine in Dental Applications: Learn about the benefits of using ozone for dental treatments, from Dr. Nicholas Meyer.
Jul 29, 2015 07:01PM ● By Dr. Nicholas J. Meyer
We have been told that oxidants are bad and must be quenched within the cell by the use of antioxidants. However, some research has shown that there is a dynamic equilibrium between both the oxidant and the antioxidant within the cell. Many health problems have been attributed to an overload of oxidants, but an alternative hypothesis proposes that a lack of oxidants, and thus energy, in the cells doesn’t allow them to operate efficiently.
One of the more popular treatments involves the use of ozone, a gaseous molecule made of three oxygen atoms (O3). There are no known pathogens that can withstand the effects of ozone, bringing immediate disinfection of viruses, bacteria, parasites and fungi. The ozone is unstable and breaks down into single molecules of oxygen within the body in a very safe and predictable manner. Those single oxygen molecules combine with other substances within the cell as ozonides, while the pure oxygen is also delivered directly to areas of need. While medical-grade (pure) ozone is very healing inside the body, it is toxic if inhaled.
Pain is brought about in the body by a reduction of electrons in a discrete or widespread area. The introduction of ozone into the tissues causes a rapid disbursement of electron-rich oxygen and can thus normalize the imbalance of energy. In a way, the oxygen is like fuel for the cell. When there is enough fuel, the engine can work well. The ozone can be introduced into the body in a number of ways. For example, mixed with blood (autohemotherapy, used all over the world to boost the immune system); as a gas (insufflation) into a cavity such as the colon or the ears.
In dentistry, ozone is used in a variety of ways. The direct application of ozone gas to a tooth can cause it to be sterilized and dramatically diminish the chance of reinfection of that tooth (cavities); it is used under the gum tissue to insufflate that tissue; or a special delivery device is made to deliver the gas onto the teeth and gums of a whole arch to bathe the tissues in the gas for direct absorption.
Dr. Nicholas J. Meyer, DDS, is the owner of Millennium Dental Associates, in Scottsdale. For more information, call 480-948-0560 or visit MillDental.com.
