Clinical Reversal of Occlusal Caries with a combined protocol of Ozone and Air Abraision

J. HOLMES & E Lynch (Queen’s University, Belfast, Dental School, Belfast, N Ireland)

Ozone has been shown to clinically reverse carious lesions. This poster demonstates how a combined treatment protocol of air abraision and ozone produces a more predictable result.

Objectives: To demonstrate the efficacy of combined air abraision1 and ozone2 treatment for occlusal caries in a general dental practice.

Methods: 50 patients with two non-cavitated occlusal lesions (100 lesions in total) were identified that extended 2-4 mm into dentine on x-ray. Each tooth surface was cleaned. The DIAGNOdent3 was employed to objectively quantify each carious lesion. Lesions were randomly assigned to two groups; Group 1; air abraision1 was used to remove the unsupported enamel over the lesion and remove loose debris; or Group 2; to leave the occlusal surface intact. Ozone was applied to each lesion for 40 seconds at start, 2, and 4 months later. After the application of a mineral wash4, each lesion was protected with a mineral releasing glass ionomer5. Patients took home a re-mineralising paste and rinse4 after oral hygiene instruction. Results: 50 patients were treated and recalled for re-evaluation at 2 and 4 months. There were no observed adverse events. 100% of lesions opened with air abraision and ozone treated had clinically reversed (P<0.001) at 2 and 4 months. Lesions treated with ozone alone took longer to remineralise (15 lesions reversed at 2 months, 43 at 4 months (P<0.001)).

Conclusions: This treatment regime using air abraision to open these ‘hidden’ lesions produced better results than leaving the surface intact.