Objectives: To evaluate local effect of gaseous ozone on bacteria in deep carious lesions after incomplete caries removal, using chlorhexidine as control, and to investigate its effect on pulp vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and superoxide dismutase (SOD).
Materials and methods: Antibacterial effect was evaluated in 48 teeth with diagnosed deep carious lesion. After incomplete caries removal, teeth were randomly allocated into two groups regarding the cavity disinfectant used: ozone (open system) or 2% chlorhexidine. Dentin samples were analyzed for the presence of total bacteria and Lactobacillus spp. by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. For evaluation of ozone effect on dental pulp, 38 intact permanent teeth indicated for pulp removal/tooth extraction were included. After cavity preparation, teeth were randomly allocated into two groups: ozone group and control group. VEGF/nNOS level and SOD activity in dental pulp were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and spectrophotometric method, respectively.
Results: Ozone application decreased number of total bacteria (p = 0.001) and Lactobacillus spp. (p < 0.001), similarly to chlorhexidine. The VEGF (p < 0.001) and nNOS (p = 0.012) levels in dental pulp after ozone application were higher, while SOD activity was lower (p = 0.001) comparing to those in control pulp.
Conclusions: Antibacterial effect of ozone on residual bacteria after incomplete caries removal was similar to that of 2% chlorhexidine. Effect of ozone on pulp VEGF, nNOS, and SOD indicated its biocompatibility.
Clinical relevance: Ozone appears as effective and biocompatible cavity disinfectant in treatment of deep carious lesions by incomplete caries removal technique.
Keywords: Antibacterial effect; Biocompatibility; Incomplete caries removal; Ozone; Residual caries.