We provide professional dental cleanings to remove and prevent excess plaque buildup. Left untreated, plaque buildup can lead to unhealthy gums and tooth decay.
Cleanings with Guided Biofilm Therapy
Your hygienist cleans using Guided Biofilm Therapy. A disclosing solution makes the biofilm visible first, so nothing is missed, then EMS AIRFLOW lifts plaque and surface stain with a warm spray of air, water and fine powder. It reaches between teeth and below the gumline without the scraping most people associate with a cleaning, and most patients find it noticeably more comfortable.
- A yearly comprehensive set of digital X-rays
- A thorough teeth cleaning performed by your hygienist
- A complete oral examination by our dentist with time to discuss any questions or concerns
- A review of treatment options and coordination of any recommended future care appointments
What is EMS AIRFLOW?
EMS AIRFLOW is a modern, non-invasive dental hygiene technology that uses a precise mixture of air, warm water, and fine powder (usually erythritol) to remove plaque, biofilm, and stains. It is a key component of Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), offering a faster, more comfortable, and less abrasive alternative to traditional scraping, suitable for teeth, restorations, and implants.
Key aspects of EMS AIRFLOW
- How it works: The handheld device sprays a controlled, warm, and gentle stream that reaches into deep periodontal pockets and hard-to-reach areas, removing bacteria without harsh vibrations.
- Benefits: A painless, fast, and thorough cleaning experience, often eliminating the need for traditional polishing pastes. It is safe for enamel, gums, implants, and braces.
- Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT): An 8-step, evidence-based protocol that uses the AIRFLOW Prophylaxis Master to detect, remove, and manage oral biofilm efficiently, reducing the need for manual scaling.
- Experience: Generally more comfortable for patients, reducing sensitivity and often described as a “dental spa” experience.
What is Guided Biofilm Therapy?
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is an evidence-based, 8-step, patient-centered dental hygiene protocol designed to remove oral biofilm (plaque) and tartar efficiently using AIRFLOW and PIEZON technologies. Developed by EMS, this minimally invasive, often painless method uses disclosing agents to target plaque specifically, aiming for maximum comfort and better oral health outcomes compared to traditional scaling.
Key components and benefits of GBT
- Precision targeting: Uses biofilm disclosing agents to stain plaque, ensuring no area is missed and reducing unnecessary cleaning.
- Technology-driven: Employs EMS AIRFLOW to remove biofilm, stains, and young calculus with water, powder, and heat, reducing the need for traditional, uncomfortable scraping.
- Gentle and effective: Suitable for teeth, implants, and gums (including periodontal pockets with PERIOFLOW).
- Key steps: Assessing, Disclosing, Motivating, AIRFLOW, PERIOFLOW, PIEZON (for remaining calculus), Checking, and setting recall intervals.
- Superior results: Studies indicate that air-polishing with glycine or erythritol powder is more effective than manual debridement in reducing bleeding on probing (BOP) and removing plaque.
Who can benefit from Guided Biofilm Therapy?
GBT is suitable for a wide range of patients. Whether you are dealing with chronic periodontitis, gingivitis, or peri-implantitis, or you simply want to maintain your oral health, GBT can be an effective solution.
If you are prone to gum disease or have a history of periodontal issues, GBT can help manage these conditions. If you have dental implants, GBT can help maintain their longevity and health. Even if you have a healthy mouth, GBT is a preventative measure that keeps your teeth and gums in optimal condition.
What to expect during a GBT treatment
Your dental hygienist will first assess your oral health and explain the procedure, making any adjustments needed for your comfort. The procedure begins with a disclosing solution that makes the biofilm visible.
Your hygienist then uses AIRFLOW, PERIOFLOW, and PIEZON technologies to gently and effectively remove the biofilm, and finishes with personalized oral hygiene instructions to help you maintain the results.
GBT is typically painless, and most patients report a pleasant, clean feeling afterward.