The impact of ozone treatment on enamel physical properties.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the effects of the highly reactive molecule of ozone on sound enamel physical properties and its effects on sealing ability.


METHODS
The effect of ozone on sealant tag length, microleakage and unfilled area proportion were evaluated on intact and prepared sound molar fissures. Microhardness, contact angle and acid resistance tests were performed on ground sound smooth surfaces. The samples were treated with ozone for 40 seconds (HealOzone). Control samples were treated with air (modified HealOzone) or left untreated.


RESULTS
No statistically significant difference was observed between the control and ozone treated samples in all tests. Prepared fissures exhibited no unfilled areas and a statistically significantly lower microleakage compared to intact fissures. Ozone was shown to dehydrate enamel and consequently enhance its microhardness, which was reversible.
Celiberti
Paula
P
Department of Operative, Preventive and Pediatric Dentistry, School of Dental Medicine, University of Bern, Freiburgstrasse 7, 3010 Bern, Switzerland. paulaceliberti@hotmail.com
Pazera
Pawel
P
Lussi
Adrian
A
D000134:Acid Etching, Dental; D019343:Citric Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D004396:Coloring Agents; D001840:Dental Bonding; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology; D003747:Dental Enamel Solubility / Q000187:drug effects; D003763:Dental Leakage / Q000145:classification; D006244:Hardness; D006801:Humans; D006813:Humidity; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008751:Methylene Blue; D010083:Oxidants, Photochemical / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010126:Ozone / Q000737:chemistry / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants / Q000737:chemistry; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature; D013997:Time Factors; D017155:Wettability
D004396:Coloring Agents; D010083:Oxidants, Photochemical; D010895:Pit and Fissure Sealants; D019343:Citric Acid; D010126:Ozone; D008751:Methylene Blue