Ozonated water to treat pericoronitis - insights from a randomized triple-blind pilot trial

Pericoronitis, a painful inflammation of the soft tissues around a partially erupted tooth, is generally treated with debridement and saline irrigation. Ozone's antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties make it a promising adjunctive therapy.

To evaluate the clinical effects and impact on quality of life of treating pericoronitis in lower third molars using ozonated water compared to physiological saline solution.

This study involved patients with pericoronitis in lower third molars, following CONSORT guidelines. Ethical approval was obtained from the UFVJM Research Ethics Committee (protocol number 5.922.185). Patients were divided into two groups: irrigation with ozonated water (OZO, n = 5) or saline solution (SAL, n = 5). The pain was assessed using a visual analog scale, and quality of life was evaluated using OHIP-14, OHIP14-PD Br, and SF-36 questionnaires. Evaluations were conducted at baseline, 24 h, and 3, 7, 15, and 30 days post-treatment. Clinical parameters assessed included probing depth (PD), bone crest level (BCL), mouth opening (MO), and extent of edema/erythema (EEE) in the pericoronal hood region. Plaque Index (PI), Bleeding Index on Probing (BOP), and lower third molar positioning were also evaluated using panoramic radiography.

Intra-group analysis 7 days after treatment showed a significant reduction in pain (SAL: p = 0.018; OZO: p = 0.002) and the extent of edema/erythema (SAL: p = 0.002). OHIP-14 scores indicated significant intra-group differences at 30 days post-treatment (SAL: p = 0.043; OZO: p = 0.041).

Ozonated water demonstrated similar efficacy to saline solution in managing pericoronitis, suggesting its potential as a viable alternative treatment.

This study presents an alternative treatment option for pericoronitis.

This clinical trial was registered at the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBec) under protocol RBR-79pss6w ( http://www.ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/rg/RBR-79pss6w/ ), Date of registration: 22/11/2024.