Using the advanced EMS Airflow® system, Guided Biofilm Therapy is a modern, minimally invasive treatment designed to target dental biofilm, the sticky layer of bacteria that contributes to cavities, gum disease, and implant complications.
What is Guided Biofilm Therapy?
Guided Biofilm Therapy is a science-based approach to professional dental cleaning that focuses on the complete removal of biofilm from teeth, gums, restorations, and dental implants. Unlike traditional cleanings that often rely heavily on scraping, GBT uses a combination of specialized diagnostic tools, EMS Airflow® technology, and gentle instrumentation to remove harmful bacteria and deposits with exceptional precision.
The process begins by identifying biofilm using a disclosing solution, allowing both the patient and clinician to see exactly where bacteria are present. Once identified, the EMS Airflow® system uses a controlled stream of warm water, air, and fine powder to gently remove biofilm, stains, and plaque from hard-to-reach areas throughout the mouth.
Benefits of Guided Biofilm Therapy
Patients throughout Jacksonville and Eastern North Carolina are choosing Guided Biofilm Therapy because it offers significant advantages over traditional cleaning methods. Benefits of GBT include:
Greater comfort during treatment
Reduced need for extensive scraping
Improved removal of plaque and harmful bacteria
Enhanced stain removal from coffee, tea, wine, and tobacco
Better care for sensitive teeth and gums
Gentle maintenance for dental implants
Effective cleaning around crowns, bridges, and orthodontic appliances
Support for long-term periodontal health
A more personalized and preventive approach to oral care
Who Can Benefit from Guided Biofilm Therapy?
Guided Biofilm Therapy is appropriate for nearly every patient and is especially beneficial for individuals who have:
Gum disease or a history of periodontal disease
Dental implants
Sensitive teeth
Crowns and bridges
Orthodontic appliances
Difficulty removing plaque in hard-to-reach areas
Concerns about staining
A desire for a more comfortable cleaning experience
Frequently Asked Questions
Guided Biofilm Therapy is a modern approach to professional dental cleaning that focuses on identifying and removing dental biofilm, the sticky layer of bacteria that contributes to cavities, gum disease, and implant complications. GBT combines diagnostic techniques with EMS Airflow® technology and gentle instrumentation to thoroughly clean the teeth, gums, restorations, and dental implants.
Traditional dental cleanings often rely on hand instruments and ultrasonic scalers to remove plaque and hardened deposits. Guided Biofilm Therapy first identifies areas of biofilm and then uses a controlled stream of warm water, air, and fine powder to remove bacteria, plaque, and stains. This targeted approach can reduce the amount of scraping required and provide a more comfortable cleaning experience.
Many patients find GBT gentler and more comfortable than conventional cleaning methods. The EMS Airflow® system uses warm water and fine powder to remove biofilm and stains, reducing the need for extensive scraping. This can be particularly beneficial for patients with sensitive teeth or gums.
Yes. GBT is especially useful for maintaining dental implants because it can gently remove biofilm from around the implant and surrounding gum tissue without unnecessarily damaging the implant surface. Regular removal of harmful bacteria can help protect the tissues and bone that support your implants and reduce the risk of peri-implant disease.
Yes. Guided Biofilm Therapy can be incorporated into periodontal maintenance and other treatment plans for patients with gum disease or a history of periodontal disease. By targeting and removing bacteria associated with inflammation and infection, GBT can help support healthier gums and reduce the risk of periodontal disease progression.
GBT can effectively remove many common surface stains caused by coffee, tea, wine, tobacco, and other sources. The EMS Airflow® system gently cleans the tooth surface while removing biofilm, plaque, and discoloration, helping teeth look and feel cleaner after treatment.
Yes. One of the advantages of Guided Biofilm Therapy is its ability to clean areas that can be difficult to reach with traditional methods or at-home brushing and flossing. GBT can be used around crowns, bridges, orthodontic appliances, and other dental restorations to help remove accumulated biofilm and plaque.
GBT is appropriate for many patients, including those with healthy gums as well as individuals receiving ongoing periodontal care. It may be particularly beneficial for patients with sensitive teeth, dental implants, crowns, bridges, orthodontic appliances, staining, or difficulty controlling plaque in hard-to-reach areas.
The process typically begins with a disclosing solution that makes dental biofilm visible, helping your clinician identify areas that need additional attention. EMS Airflow® technology is then used to gently remove biofilm, plaque, and stains. Additional instrumentation may be used when necessary to address remaining deposits. The treatment can be customized based on your oral health and periodontal needs.
Carolina Dental Specialty Center offers Guided Biofilm Therapy using the advanced EMS Airflow® system. Dr. Jose Arauz and our specially trained team provide GBT as part of our commitment to comfortable, evidence-based periodontal and preventive dental care for patients in Jacksonville and throughout Eastern North Carolina.