“The New Pandemic Challenge in Dentistry” Ozone in Aerosol Free Dental Procedures Post COVID 19 - A Review Article

Abstract

The world health organization declared the outbreak of Corona virus as a public health emergency of international concern on 30th January 2020. The disease is transmitted by inhalation or contact with infected droplets and the incubation period ranges from 2 to 14 days. This mode of transmission has led to a concern for dentists worldwide. Due to the characteristics of dental settings, the risk of cross infection can be high between patients and dental practitioners. Various modifications in treatment options have been investigated to reduce the release of aerosols and minimize patient and dentist exposure. These modifications in the dental set up are incorporated to protect the practitioner and the patient from cross contamination. One such treatment modality in reducing aerosol production is the use of Ozone. Ozone is an allotropic form of oxygen and has been used successfully in the treatment of various diseases for over a hundred years. It has a high oxidation potential and is 1.5 times greater than chlorine when it is used as an antimicrobial agent. It has also shown to stimulate remineralization and has hence led to its increasing popularity and demand in the dental field. Its unique properties include analgesic, antimicrobial and antihypnotic actions. Its atraumatic, painless, non-invasive, and relative absence of discomfort and side effects has led to its use in dentistry with increased patient’s acceptability and compliance thus making it an ideal choice for various treatment options in dentistry which would eventually lead to reduced aerosol exposure. This review is an attempt to highlight various treatment modalities of Ozone therapy during post Covid-19 scenario in dental practices and its possible clinical applications in future. KEY WORDS Covid-19, Ozone Therapy, Dental Practice