OZONE THERAPY AS AN ADJUNCT IN DENTAL PRACTICE: AN EVIDENCE-BASED REVIEW

Abstract

Ozone therapy has established itself as a complementary therapeutic approach of increasing relevance in dental practice, primarily due to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and tissue regeneration-stimulating properties. This literature review, based on current scientific evidence, seeks to present the biological foundations, main clinical applications, and therapeutic indications of ozone in dentistry. Among the areas most prominently used for ozone therapy are endodontics, periodontics, oral surgery, implantology, and stomatology, where it has been shown to potentially contribute to tissue disinfection, pain reduction, accelerated healing, and improved local inflammatory response. The paper also discusses aspects related to safety, contraindications, and ethical and legal challenges involved in adopting the technique, emphasizing the importance of adequate professional training and scientific support in the implementation of clinical protocols. Despite the promising results, the lack of standardized methods and the scarcity of controlled clinical studies still represent obstacles to its widespread adoption. Therefore, we advocate for more clinical research and well-defined guidelines that can consolidate ozone therapy as an effective and safe adjunct resource in contemporary dentistry.