The impact of ozone treatment on enamel physical properties

PURPOSE: 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