Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy: Mechanism of Action and its Application in Periodontics: A Review

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO) therapy is widely used in a number of areas of medical practice. HBO increases local oxygen distribution, especially at the base of the periodontal pocket, which inhibits the growth of anaerobic bacteria and allows the ischemic tissues to receive an adequate intake of oxygen sufficient for a rapid recovery of cell metabolism, which may help to treat many periodontal diseases and also may act as a stimulator of osseointegration which would help during implant placement. The aim of this review article is to collect the information regarding the effects of HBO on periodontal diseases and dental implants. In conclusion, this review has shown that HBO may represent a useful aid, especially in combination with scaling and root planning (SRP), as far as nonsurgical periodontal therapy is concerned.