Water Disinfection of Dental Units using Ozone – Microbiological Results after 11 Years and Technical Problems

Abstract

Water disinfection in dental treatment units using ozone and hydrogen peroxide/silver ion were compared for a period of 11 years. Water from nine treatment units was microbiologically examined in a total of 240 tests. Eight treatment units using peroxide disinfection regularly exceeded the limits stipulated by water purity regulations, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was detected at 154 water outlets. However, hardly any of the water specimens taken from the treatment unit using ozonated water disinfection showed bacteria. Four technical problems to using ozonated water were found during this eleven year period. The use of hydrogen peroxide necessitated 48 basic disinfections.

Keywords:

• Ozone
• Dental Treatment Units
• Water Disinfection
• Pseudomonas aeruginosa