These FAQ and Answers have been complied by KaVo and the Pathfinder Dentists. Current research is being carried out on aspects of treatment and we hope to update the site with latest findings as soon as we are able to. Many of the answers are compiled from the experiences of current users and are anecdotal.

Please submit your questions to our site and we will be happy to answer as soon as we are able and post them onto our site.

Credit is given to all pathfinder dentists and to KaVo who contributed to the completion of this feedback form.

Questions and Answers on Ozone?
Please click here to take you to our Ozone section

• Is there a device available that can read ozone output?
  Yes, there is a specialist piece of equipment that can read ozone output but it is a very high investment.
  
  
• How can variable penetration of ozone be controlled and what studies are there to support this?
  There is no current data to confirm that this is possible.
  
  
• How do I know that my unit is producing Ozone?
  It is very important to have regular maintenance. A simple clinical tip is to ozonate a latex glove for 5 seconds, if ozone is being generated the glove will disintegrate.

Treatment and Technique Queries

• What applications can HealOzone be used for?
  The current recommended uses are for pit, fissure and root caries. Further research is being carried out on other aspects including Root Canal Treatment, Tooth whitening and Periodontology. Early results are very encouraging.
  
  
• What is the best way to diagnose and record lesions?
  Use Clinical observation and record using CSI (Clinical Severity Index), Use Diagnodent Values (DV) and Dental radiographs. Intraoral Camera Images may be captured and stored using appropriate Dental database software.
  
  
• What cavity types are being treated with HealOzone?
  Some users are treating lesions of all types and sizes. See Treatment section.
  
  
• Which of these applications already has clinical research to support it?
  Single surface lesions. Root lesions and occlusal lesions. See our Research section.
  
  
• Is there a protocol for the use of the Diagnodent within the HealOzone studies, i.e. the levels of the Diagnodent reading and at what level ozone will be effective?
  Yes, please visit our treatment section for an explanation. (Abbr. DV =Diagnodent Values).
  
  
• What techniques if any are being used for treatment of interproximal lesions?
  Tunnel preparation or open using air abrasion. See our Treatment section.
  
  
• Should ozone cavities be temporised? If so does this slow down healing?
  Large cavities that will be difficult to clean should be temporized. Fuji 7 from GC UK is a suitable material as it will promote Remineralisation (See Fuji 7 on our site).
  
  
• What areas of treatment do not appear to be successful?
  Lesions with a Diagnodent value of DV>98. Diagnodent maximum readings are 99. Lesions above this reading can be of any size.
  
  
• What is the average ozone application time?
  The average ozone application time being used should be 40-60 seconds.
  
  
• What is the best way of accurately establishing efficacy of this treatment in practice, as the Diagnodent is excellent at diagnosing, but appears to be less useful in monitoring?
  Use with clinical observation, e.g. CSI. The primary outcome variable must be 'clinical reversal of caries.
  
  
• When treating open cavities, how important is the patient plaque control?
  Very, the lesion must be plaque free to allow the process of re-mineralisation to take place. Fuji 7 can be used to seal Ozonated cavities.
  
  
• How quickly will acidogenic plaque re-form and would any kind of provisional filling be useful?
  It will take more than 6-8 weeks, but the use of Fuji 7 has been found to be very successful by some of the Pathfinders.

Users Queries

• How can you accurately confirm that a lesion has been arrested?
  Use CSI and DV (Diagnodent values).
  
  
• Can the application times of Ozone onto a lesion be improved?
  Yes, this has now been done. KaVo have updated the Healozone to incorporate a foot control as well as an increased delivery time.
  
  
• How long do you need to wait before finding evidence that lesions are arresting/reversing?
  About 4-8weeks, depending on lesion type and the degree of access/ cleansing. Please refer to our Healozone Concept section.
  
  
• When is it safe to assume that no further treatment is required?
  When the DV falls. Covering with Fuji7 is also advantageous.

Other Applications

• Are there any studies supporting the use of HealOzone to reduce sensitivity?
  There are no existing studies available. Some practitioners have demonstrated success. The current advice is that Healzone should not be purchased for the treatment of Cervical sensitivity alone.
  
  
• Why does ozone treatment affect sensitivity?
  It opens the channels, allowing minerals to flood into channels, blocking pores, so sensitivity ceases.
  
  
• Is HealOzone being used as part of Endodontic treatment, including root canals? If so, is it a benefit?
  As an effective disinfectant. Current research attaches a fine “nozzle” within the sealant cup and allows delivery of ozone into the canals. Ozone will therefore destroy bacteria within the infected system.
  
  
• What beneficial effects have been found for the use of ozone on ulcers, if it is a benefit what type of ulcer can be treated?
  Most ulcers seem to get better.
  
  
• What use does ozone have for the treatment of dry sockets?
  Dry socket is a bio-film problem and therefore there is no reason why it should not be treated by ozone.
  
  
• If dentine has been literally denatured, how can one get re-mineralisation?
  Mineral will penetrate the organic component.
  
  
• How can one tell whether the enamel porosity above lesions is sufficient to allow ozone penetration?
  You should be able to tell by the Diagnodent reading.

Patient Related

• What, if any, possible future health risks are there to patients, which may be caused by ozone treatment?
  None, provided equipment is well maintained, which includes 6 monthly services, to ensure ozone is being produced at the correct levels.
  
  
• What adverse reactions to treatment are occurring, if any?
  None have been noted at to date.
  
  
• Are any of the patients experiencing pain after ozone treatment?
  No patients have experienced any pain as a result of Ozone treatment.
  
  
• How do you feel about the use of HealOzone for the possible reversal of Pulpitis?
  Bacterial inactivation with ozone seems to help reverse Pulpitis. There has been success with patients who have had pain from deep lesions. Some have failed. It would seem that the success is dependant on amount pulpal damage (too much inflammatory vasoconstriction for too long, or micro-leakage allowing the new bacteria to continue the inflammatory process).

Research Questions

• What statistical information is there to show the length of time it takes for lesions to arrest /reverse?
  Statistics show that it takes an average of 6-8 weeks for reversal.

Patient Information / Marketing

• What is the average fee scale?
  Approximately £35.00 per tooth, maximum £295.00 for full mouth. Many Pathfinders appear to be charging the same price as a standard composite.
  
  
• Should you give every patient a patient kit?
  Yes. The re-mineralisation aspect is very important. The kit increases the success levels of the treatment by enhancing mineral uptake and ensuring good oral hygiene practice.
  
  
• If so, is a patient kit included in the price in the fee or charge separately?
  The uptake is better when the kit is included within the price of the treatment.