Effects of ozone and sodium hypochlorite on caries-like lesions in dentin.

ABSTRACT

The hypothesis that ozone promotes remineralization of dentinal lesions was tested in vitro. Artificial caries-like lesions in dentin were treated with ozone gas, with another potent oxidizer (sodium hypochlorite, NaOCl, 10%) or with water. The specimens were then remineralized and subsequently demineralized again. Mineral content was assessed by transverse microradiography. NaOCl-treated samples showed damaged surface and, after being remineralized, demineralized significantly more than water- or ozone-treated groups. No difference was found between ozone and water groups. The exposure to ozone had thus no effect on remineralization and subsequent demineralization of remineralized dentinal lesions.