Dentists across the UK have started to use a revolutionary treatment which does away with the need for injections, drilling and fillings.

The treatment, called Healozone, uses a blast of ozone gas to kill bacteria. The painless procedure allows saliva to strengthen damaged teeth naturally.

I believe Ozone will completely replace the traditional tools of dentistry

Dr Peter Murray, James Hull Associates

Dentists believe the procedure could revolutionise the treatment provided to patients and could help many to overcome their fear of drills and needles.

Kills bacteria

The procedure consists of a rubber cap being fitted to the tooth. Ozone gas is then applied to the tooth through an air-tight seal created by the cap.

Within 10 and 40 seconds the gas eliminates all of the bacteria in the tooth.

The gas kills the acid-producing bacteria and allows the mineral content of saliva to repair the tooth over time.

The technique was developed by Professor Edward Lynch of Queens University Belfast.

In recent months dentists have started to offer the treatment to patients and it is now available in more than a dozen practices across the UK.

Dentists at James Hull Associates have become the latest to offer Healozone.

Dr Peter Murray, clinical director of the nationwide chain, said the technique could encourage more people to seek the treatment they need.

"There are a lot of things that put people off going to the dentist - the injections, the sound of the drill, the feel of the drill or even the smell generated when drilling a tooth," he said.

"In time, I believe Ozone will completely replace the traditional tools of dentistry when it comes to treating decay and in doing so will eliminate the 'fear factor' the public associate with a visit to the dentist."