Apr
Hi Dr. Copeland,
My dentist recently told me that I have pits or small cavities in five of my upper molars. He wanted to use a laser and then fill them with composite. I have done some research and learned that ozone therapy can be used to help heal small cavities.
I had been doing oil pulling, among other things, to see if I could heal my teeth. I am looking for a dentist who is also nutritionally orientated. I see that you do offer various oral health products. Can you tell me the cost of a consultation as well as the cost of ozone therapy?
Thank you,
M
Dear Marcia,
Good question.
Without actually seeing “lesions” my answer is “in general” form.
Cavities generally involve two conditions existing at the same time. These are:
At the correct dose, ozone is an excellent method of atraumatically killing the bacteria. Literature from Bocci gives 4mm, but that is for prolonged exposure and some pressure. I only count on maybe 2mm in a true clinical setting.
However, ozone alone will not address the enamel defect which houses the bacteria and this too must be addressed, or the existing enamel defect will allow the infection to recur over and over again. Micro-abrasion and ozone is what I prefer clinically to remove unsupported enamel and disinfect tooth tissue. Less often a laser due to heat generated. However, laser therapy may be used to address enamel and dentin.
It is really impossible to determine the amount of dentin affected and therefore the extent or aggressiveness of the infection without either and x-ray, or removing the enamel and exposing the dentin to view. Conservative defective enamel removal, disinfection of dentin with ozone and conservative repair of enamel with biocompatible resin is the best long term treatment for small to moderate cavities.
I’ve clinically seen oil pulling to be effective as a part of periodontal therapy. Nutrition (above even hygiene) is probably the single most important factor in overall health – including, of course, the mouth. However, I find when one lives in the world (few of my patients are true hunter gatherers) one is susceptible to tooth decay.
Fees are determined by the length and complexity of the appointment. When using ozone to treat cavities, it is built into the cost of the restorative treatment itself. Ozone is always incorporated when there is tissue exposure or in a surgical setting. Barbara (one of our fabulous staff members) can help you determine how to best proceed.
My best,
Dr. Copeland