Microbiological Evaluation of Ozone on Dentinal Lesions in Young Permanent Molars using the Stepwise Excavation.

AIM: To assess the microbial effect of ozone gas on dentinal lesions in young permanent molars using the stepwise excavation. STUDY DESIGN: An experimental, controlled clinical trial was performed. The sample included 80 immature first permanent molars, showing deep occlusal carious cavities that were indicated for stepwise excavation. Following first step of dentin excavation, the sample was divided into test (ozone gas) and control (calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)2) base material) groups. One half of the cases in each group were evaluated for microbiological changes after 6 months, and the other half after 12 months. RESULTS: Mutans streptococci (MS), Lactobacilli, and Candida counts were significantly reduced immediately after ozone application in the test group (P ≤0.05). At the final assessment period, MS and Lactobacilli were significantly reduced in the test group (P ≤0.05). Meanwhile, the Candida counts were significantly reduced only in the test group of the 6 and 12 month-cases (P ≤0.05). Regarding the control group, the significant reduction in microbial count was observed with MS after 6 and 12 months (P ≤0.05). No significant differences were observed between test and control groups at different evaluation periods (P >0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Ozone gas had a significant antimicrobial effect in deep class I carious lesions.

Clinical Evaluation of Ozone on Dentinal Lesions in Young Permanent Molars using the Stepwise Excavation.

AIM: To evaluate the clinical changes in dentin of deep carious lesions in young permanent molars, following ozone application with and without the use of a remineralizing solution, using the stepwise excavation. STUDY DESIGN: The sample included 162 first permanent immature molars, showing deep occlusal carious cavities that were indicated for indirect pulp capping. Teeth were divided into 2 main groups according to the method of ozone treatment. Each group was further subdivided equally into test and control subgroups. Following caries excavation, color, consistency and DIAGNOdent assessments of dentin were evaluated after 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Regarding dentin color and consistency, no significant differences were observed following ozone application, with and without a remineralizing solution. There were no significant differences between ozone treatment, and calcium hydroxide during the different evaluation periods, except in group I cases after 6 months, concerning the dentin color. The DIAGNOdent values were significantly reduced following ozone application, with or without a remineralizing solution, as well as between test and control cases in group I after 6 months. CONCLUSIONS: Ozone application through the stepwise excavation had no significant effect on dentin color and consistency in young permanent molars. DIAGNOdent was unreliable in monitoring caries activity.