Influence of Ozone Application in Stepwise Excavation Procedure of Primary Molars With Deep Carious Lesion

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical and microbiological effectiveness of the ozone application in stepwise excavation of primary molars. Methods: This study was conducted in vivo conditions with 105 lower primary second molars that had deep caries lesions with the risk of pulpal exposure. The teeth were randomly divided into three groups: Conventional stepwise excavation without any disinfectant, 2% chlorhexidine digluconate(CHX) and ozone application. In four different stages (after; initial excavation, ozone/CHX application, four months, final excavation), dentine samples were collected for microbiological analysis of mutans streptococci, lactobacilli and total number of colony forming units. Clinical changes as dentine colour, humidity, consistency were recorded. The data were analysed by Mann-Whitney U, Friedman and chi-square test.