Plaque or dental biofilm is one of the primary causes of tooth decay (cavities), gum disease, and peri-implantitis. Guided biofilm therapy is a painless and non-invasive method of removing dental biofilm using state of the art AIRFLOW®, PERIOFLOW® and PIEZON® technologies.
The Lowdown on Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)
Guided biofilm therapy involves an 8-step process of removing plaque and cleaning the teeth. Conventional methods of biofilm management typically involve the use of ultrasonic scaler tips, brushes, and rubber cups.
However, thanks to modern advancements in dentistry, powder and airflow technology have been used to remove biofilm more gently, efficiently, and thoroughly.
The 8-Step Guided Biofilm Therapy Process
Assess
Guided biofilm therapy protocol starts with an oral assessment. This is when your dentist will look for signs of gingivitis, gum disease, and cavities. If you have dental restorations like dental implants, it will also be screened for. Signs of peri-implantitis will also be looked into.
Your dentist will begin the protocol by rinsing the patient’s mouth using a professional mouthwash.
Disclose
Plaque (biofilm) can be made visible using a substance known as EMS Biofilm Discloser. An EMS biofilm discloser is a purple color-tinted substance applied to the areas where biofilm is present. This makes it easier to spot and remove the plaque. Removing the plaque thoroughly allows better tartar buildup visibility.
Motivate
Once plaque is visible, the dentist will go through oral hygiene coaching with you. They’ll also prescribe and teach you how to use various dental aids such as floss and interdental brushes which will help you maintain your oral hygiene at home.
Airflow
A powder and air polisher is used to remove the buildup of plaque on the teeth, tongue, and the surrounding tissue. The powder also helps remove discoloration and stains. This is safe to use on artificial and natural teeth, including implants.
Perioflow
A perioflow nozzle uses powder and a stream of water to clean implant surfaces, interdental spaces, and gum tissues thoroughly, especially for patients with gum disease.
Piezon PS
To complete the remaining physical part of the treatment, a Piezon Scaling is used to remove tartar. This procedure has 95% efficiency. This pain-free method of scaling also helps prevent damage to implants, crowns, and other restorations.
Check
The dentist checks to make sure all the plaque and tartar has been thoroughly removed from the mouth. Your dentist will also make sure all the cavities have been diagnosed properly. A protective fluoride gel may be applied to the teeth after.
Recall
The final step involves making sure you have a happy and healthy mouth. You will also be advised that you come back for routine visits. The doctor will also check that you are pleased with the treatment.
Amazing Benefits of Guided Biofilm Therapy
Guided biofilm therapy is considered a modern approach to dentistry. It replaces the use of abrasive pastes that are harsh to the gum tissue and to restorations like crowns, veneers, and dental implants. Guided biofilm therapy has a lot of benefits, some of the most notable include:
- It helps preserve healthy teeth
- It helps prevent cavities
- It is a safe and pain-free procedure
- It is non-abrasive
- It won’t damage dental implants and other tooth restorations
- It has minimal treatment time
- It is more comfortable
- It is non-invasive
- It is a child-friendly treatment