ABSTRACT
It has been suggested that delivering ozone into a carious lesion might reduce the number of cariogenic bacteria. This possibly could arrest the progress of the lesion and in the presence of fluoride perhaps allow remineralization. This study investigated the effect of ozone on leathery primary root caries. The study was a clinical trial using a split mouth design. A total of 23 pairs of bilateral leathery primary root caries were selected from Shahid Beheshti Dental School. After brushing, DIAGNODENT values of the samples were recorded in three points. Half of the samples which had been randomly selected were treated for 12 seconds using OZOTOP [MECTRON SWISS Inc.] The opposite arch was selected as the control group. Fluoride therapy was performed on both groups and DIAGNODENT values were measured again. This process was repeated a month later and DIAGNODENT values were recorded. Three months after the initial treatment DIAGNODENT values were measured again. Results were evaluated by using paired t test. The statistical significance level was set at P<0.05. The highest reduction was observed within the group of combined use of fluoride and ozone after 3 months [2.0439]. Comparisons between 3 months from baseline in the intervention group and the control group using paired t-test determined statistically significant differences [P value<0.001]. In a 3-month period, the combined effect of fluoride and ozone in reducing the DIAGNODENT value was higher than using fluoride alone