Ozone therapy is gaining ground in modern dentistry, not as a replacement for traditional treatment, but as a powerful adjunct. At Restore Modern Dentistry, we integrate ozone technology into our approach to improve patient outcomes with science-backed confidence.
What Is Ozone Therapy and Why It’s Used in Dentistry
Ozone (O₃) is a naturally occurring gas composed of three oxygen atoms. Known for its oxidative properties, ozone has strong antimicrobial effects, killing bacteria, viruses, fungi, and protozoa – even at low concentrations. Its oxidation potential is 1.5 times greater than chloride, which allows it to effectively disrupt microbial cell membranes and encourage tissue healing by enhancing oxygen delivery and circulation.
In dentistry, ozone is applied as a gas, in ozonated water, or as ozonated oil. These delivery methods offer flexibility, with ozonated water being especially safe and effective for rinsing, irrigating, and disinfecting soft tissues and dental pockets.
Scientific Support for Dental Ozone Use
Though the FDA currently does not approve ozone therapy for medical or dental use, a growing body of research shows its potential:
- A 2025 systematic review published by BioMed Central reported that ozone therapy improved periodontal outcomes, enhanced soft tissue healing after implant procedures, and reduced postoperative discomfort when used alongside conventional care (BMC Oral Health).
- A meta-analysis published by Nature in 2025 found that ozone, combined with scaling and root planing (SRP), led to significantly better outcomes in probing depth and gingival inflammation than SRP alone (Nature).
- Earlier studies demonstrated ozonated water’s ability to inhibit plaque formation and eliminate both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria without harming surrounding tissues (ScienceDirect).
Even Colgate’s clinical resources acknowledge the growing use of ozone in cavity prevention, periodontal care, and root canal therapy (Colgate).
Ozonated Water: Safe, Targeted, Effective
Ozonated water provides a precise and reliable delivery mechanism for ozone therapy. It breaks down quickly into oxygen and water, leaving no chemical residue or chlorinated byproducts. In practice, it:
- Delivers stable, controlled antimicrobial action
- Is non-toxic and gentle on soft tissue
- Avoids the risks associated with ozone gas inhalation
Globally, ozonated water is used in hospitals and industries for purification and disinfection. Systems like those by Ozonia have supported ozone-based water treatment for decades.
Global Use and Acceptance
Ozone therapy has been integrated into medical and dental systems across multiple countries:
- Russia and the former USSR began using it in the 1970s under regulated health standards.
- Cuba adopted ozone therapy as part of its public healthcare system in the 1990s.
- Spain recognized it regionally for medical and dental use in 2009.
- Brazil’s Ministry of Health approved ozone therapy in public clinics in 2018, with the Federal Council of Dentistry endorsing its use.
The 2010 Madrid Declaration from the World Federation of Ozone Therapy helped standardize protocols now followed in over 60 countries.
U.S. Regulatory and Safety Landscape
In the United States, ozone therapy is increasingly being studied and adopted in dental clinics that focus on biologic and integrative approaches. Clinical applications such as ozonated water and ozonated oil are widely used in dental settings due to their favorable safety profiles and promising results. Research supports its use as a non-invasive adjunct to conventional treatments with minimal side effects when used topically or in dental procedures.
While ozone therapy is not yet FDA-approved for dental treatment, the dental community continues to explore its potential through clinical studies and patient-reported outcomes, building a foundation of evidence-based practice.
Summary Table
| Area of Use | Findings |
|---|---|
| Mechanism | Oxidizes pathogens, improves circulation, supports healing |
| Dental Applications | Adjunctive periodontal therapy, surgical healing, root canal sterilization |
| Delivery Methods | Ozonated water, gas, and oil (water preferred for safety and stability) |
| International Use | Widely regulated and integrated in Europe, Cuba, Brazil, Russia, Spain |
| U.S. Status | Promising results in clinical settings; increasingly adopted by integrative practices |
Why Restore Modern Dentistry Uses Ozone
Our approach at Restore Modern Dentistry is focused on whole-body health, not just teeth. We’ve adopted ozone therapy because it offers a clean, evidence-based method to support healing, manage bacteria, and improve patient outcomes—especially when used alongside traditional techniques.
We only use ozonated water and oils – never gaseous ozone inhalation or unapproved IV methods. Our commitment is to safety, results, and transparent care rooted in research.
Learn More or Schedule a Consultation
Interested in exploring how ozone therapy could complement your dental treatment? Contact Restore Modern Dentistry today to schedule a consultation in Bentonville, Arkansas.