Dental biofilm (plaque) is the primary cause of tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, and peri-implantitis. Guided Biofilm therapy is a non-invasive and painless method of removing dental biofilm through the use of airflow, water, and powder.

What is Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)?

Guided Biofilm Therapy is an 8 step process of cleaning the teeth and removing plaque. Traditional methods of biofilm management involve rubber cups, brushes, and abrasive pastes. However, with this modern advancement in dentistry supported by scientific evidence, airflow technology and powder are used to remove biofilm more thoroughly, efficiently, and more kindy..

The 8 Step Process

Assess – The GBT protocol begins with an oral assessment, looking for signs of cavities, gingivitis, or gum disease. If the patient has dental restorations such as dental implants, signs of peri-implantitis will also be screened for. The cleaning begins with rinsing the patient’s mouth with a professional mouthwash.

Disclose – Biofilm (plaque) is made fully visible using a substance called EMS Biofilm Discloser. This is a purple color-tinted substance that is applied to the areas where biofilm is present to make it easier to spot and remove the plaque. Thoroughly removing plaque allows for better visibility of tartar buildup.

Motivate – Our amazing hygienists then help you see any areas you may be missing to help you with your home care. Once there is a buildup of plaque and tartar in the mouth, it needs to be professionally removed. The patient should be advised to use interdental brushes or air flossers for thorough flossing.

Airflow – An air polisher and powder is then used to remove the buildup of plaque on the teeth and surrounding soft tissue and the tongue. The powder will also help to remove stains and discoloration. This is safe to use on natural and artificial teeth, including implants.

Perioflow – A Perioflow nozzle uses powder and a stream of water to clean gum tissue, implants surfaces, and interdental spaces to thoroughly clean inside of deep pockets.

Piezon PS – To finish off the remaining physical part of this treatment, Piezons Scaling is used to remove tartar with 95% efficiency. This pain-free precision method of scaling prevents damage to crowns, implants, and other restorations. The instrument is used in combination with water.

Check – At this stage, the dentist will check that all plaque and tartar have been thoroughly removed from the mouth and all cavities have been properly diagnosed. A protective fluoride gel will then be applied to the teeth.

Recall – The final step of GBT involves ensuring that you have a healthy and happy mouth by ensuring you come back for routine visits and ensuring that you are pleased with the treatment.

Benefits of GBT

Guided Biofilm Therapy is a modern approach to dentistry that replaces outdated metal tools and abrasive pastes which are too harsh and abrasive to the gum tissue and tooth restorations such as porcelain crowns/veneers and dental implants. Some of the biggest benefits of GBT are that it:

  • Prevents cavities
  • Preserves healthy teeth
  • Safe and pain-free procedure
  • Non-abrasive
  • Won’t damage tooth restorations and implants
  • Reduced treatment times
  • More comfortable
  • Non-invasive
  • Child-friendly treatment

Due for a Teeth Cleaning? Book an Appointment at Country Day Dental

At Country Day Dental, we offer a wide range of dentistry services, including preventative care delivered through Guided Biofilm Therapy. This is a more modern, thorough, non-abrasive method of removing plaque and tartar without having to use tons of metal hand tools. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Ryan Schmidgall.