Guided biofilm therapy is a treatment that removes biofilm (a film of bacteria on teeth) to prevent cavities, gum disease, and implant infections. It uses patented tools and devices to remove debris on teeth and is minimally invasive and comfortable for patients. The treatment involves applying a dye to the teeth to make biofilm visible, using the AirFlow® and PerioFlow® technology to remove biofilm, and using the Piezon® technology to remove any remaining calculus. This treatment is suitable for all ages and dental situations, and can be performed on natural teeth, implants, and dental restorations. It is offered at Springbank Dental Centre
The process starts with a dental exam and oral cancer assessment, followed by rinsing with a mouthwash to reduce bacterial load and aerosol contamination. Your dentist or hygienist then uses an Biofilm Discloser which dyes areas of plaque purple, serving as a guide during the cleaning process and revealing areas that can otherwise be difficult to spot. Finally, your dental team will explain the procedure and show you photos of your mouth before they begin.
AirFlow® is the hand piece of choice for dental cleanings and polishing. It's designed to remove deposits up to 4 mm below the gum line, even for those with braces, implants, and other restorations. This device is able to reach deep grooves and orthodontic brackets without causing damage. Meanwhile, the AirFlow® Classic Comfort Powder targets hard-to-remove deposits like coffee and tobacco stains.
For deeper pockets (up to 9 mm) PerioFlow® has a specialized tip that provides powerful yet gentle cleaning. Both devices are minimally invasive, leaving dentin and cementum well-protected for long-lasting results.
Calculus can be removed from gum pockets as deep as 9 mm using the PerioFlow®. It has a specialized tip that reaches deep pockets, but is gentle and prevents sensitivity. The dentin and cementum are protected since it's minimally invasive.
The next step is cleaning pockets in your teeth that are deeper than 10 mm. Piezon® technology is used for this step, which comes with ultrasonic tips and dynamic response features that remove tartar safely and accurately. Piezon® allows for a comfortable dental cleaning experience, removing up to 95% of biofilm above and below the gum line without needing various instruments.
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) reveals areas like calculus or decay so they can be addressed during the quality control phase - removing calculus and applying fluoride to strengthen teeth. Finally, your dental team will photograph your smile for comparison before and after the procedure.
Follow-up visits should be scheduled every 6 months or twice a year according to risk assessment, although those with an increased risk for tartar buildup or tooth decay may need more frequent visits, as well as those with orthodontic appliances or conditions such as gum disease.
To learn more about GBT call