What is Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)?
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is an advanced method for removing biofilm, which is a bacterial buildup on the surfaces of the teeth. It works by revealing where plaque is located, making the removal process quicker and more efficient.
Traditional cleaning methods used manual tools or ultrasonic devices. GBT, however, utilizes AIRFLOW® technology, which allows for a deeper clean without direct contact with the teeth and gums.
GBT is both gentle and effective, and we’re proud to offer it to our patients at Racine Dental Group.
What to Expect During the GBT Procedure
Initial Assessment The procedure begins with a thorough dental examination and an oral cancer screening. Your dentist will also check the condition of any dental work or appliances you have. For GBT to be suitable, your mouth’s soft tissues need to be healthy.
After the examination, you’ll rinse with a preprocedural mouthwash to reduce bacteria in your mouth and minimize aerosol contamination.
A retracting device is then used to separate your lips and cheeks from your teeth, giving the dental team better access and visibility.
Identifying Biofilm Next, your dentist or hygienist applies EMS Biofilm Discloser, a dye that highlights areas where plaque is present, guiding the cleaning process. Since plaque can be colorless and hard to see, this step ensures that no spots are missed during cleaning.
Understanding Your Oral Health The dye not only helps your dental team but also allows you to see areas of your mouth that may be difficult to clean. The team will show you photos of your mouth to emphasize the importance of the procedure and how it benefits your oral health.
Applying AirFlow® Max AirFlow® is a handheld device used to clean and polish teeth, reaching up to 4 mm below the gum line. It’s effective for patients with braces, implants, and dental restorations and can even be used to clean the tongue. AirFlow® is minimally invasive, preserving the natural tooth structure and dental work.
For stubborn stains from coffee or tobacco, AirFlow® Classic Comfort Powder is used to eliminate remaining deposits.
Deep Cleaning with PerioFlow® For deeper gum pockets, PerioFlow® can remove calculus from pockets as deep as 9 mm. Like AirFlow®, it’s a handheld device but designed for periodontal therapy. It’s powerful yet gentle, protecting the softer layers of dentin and cementum.
Final Cleaning and Evaluation The final step involves cleaning pockets deeper than 10 mm and removing calculus up to 3 mm below implants using Piezon® technology. Piezon® uses ultrasonic tips to safely and accurately remove tartar while ensuring a comfortable cleaning experience.
After the cleaning, your dentist will perform a final evaluation, addressing any remaining calculus and applying fluoride to protect your teeth. Your dental team will also take photos so you can compare your smile before and after the procedure.
Follow-Up Appointments Your dentist will discuss follow-up visits based on your individual risk assessment. Maintaining regular dental hygiene appointments helps reduce the need for more frequent visits. Typically, dental check-ups are recommended every six months, but patients with higher risks for tartar buildup or those with orthodontic appliances may need to visit more often.
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This blog post is provided for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice. The content of this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your doctor or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
