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

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. Copyright (c) 2007 S. Karger AG, Basel.