Reviewed by Dr. Alan Baughman, DMD, MBA
Reading time: four minutes.
Using the EMS Airflow® One with Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) method has changed the way dental cleanings are performed, offering a gentler, more precise, and effective approach to oral hygiene.
Say goodbye to traditional polishing cups and paste and hello to a more comfortable, thorough cleaning experience that leaves your teeth sparkling and your gums healthier.
In this blog, you will learn how this technology works, why it is better for sensitive teeth, and how it can improve your oral health.
Table of Contents
- Traditional Dental Cleaning Methods
- How EMS Airflow® One Works
- What Is Guided Biofilm Therapy?
- The GBT Process
- Candidates for EMS Airflow® One
- Clearwater Dentistry: A Dental Practice That Cares
- FAQs about Guided Biofilm Therapy
Key Takeaway
EMS Airflow® One with Guided Biofilm Therapy uses a gentle blast of warm water, air, and powder to remove plaque and bacteria. It cleans your teeth effectively with less discomfort, leaving you with a healthier, brighter smile. Plus, it is included in your regular dental cleaning at no extra cost.
Traditional Dental Cleaning Methods
Traditionally, dental cleanings relied solely on manual tools and sharp instruments to remove plaque and tartar build-up.
While effective, this method involves more direct contact with your teeth and gums, which can feel uncomfortable, especially if you have sensitive teeth or inflamed gums.
Challenges of traditional methods:
- Direct contact: Sharp instruments can cause discomfort.
- Limited reach: Deep gum pockets may not be fully cleaned.
- Time-consuming: Plaque removal with instruments takes longer.
Traditional methods are effective but often leave patients wishing for a more comfortable experience.
How EMS Airflow® One Works
EMS Airflow One uses a device that combines warm water, air, and a fine powder (erythritol or sodium bicarbonate) for a gentle yet thorough cleaning.
Instead of scraping the plaque bacteria, the system sprays this mixture onto tooth surfaces, removing harmful plaque, food particles, discolorations and stains. Only remaining calcified plaque (tartar) left behind would require hand instruments to remove.
Key Benefits of EMS Airflow® One
- Warm water and powder: A light sensation ideal for sensitive teeth.
- Less scraping: Reduced direct contact with teeth and gums.
- Stain removal: Clears stains from teeth for a brighter smile.
- Deeper reach: A special handpiece cleans up to 8mm below the gumline.
What Is Guided Biofilm Therapy?
Biofilm is another term for plaque. Plaque is a term to describe colonies of soft bacteria. Plaque is a contributor to gum disease and cavities when not removed thoroughly and often enough.
The Guided Biofilm Therapy method involves putting a disclosing solution on the teeth to reveal where the plaque is on your teeth. The disclosing solution is a harmless dye that stains in 3 different colors, indicating where and how long the bacteria has been present.
Think of it like a UV light that shows where bacteria is in a dark room. Being able to see where the bacteria is makes it easier to clean and eliminate!
The GBT Process
- Application of disclosing solution: The dye makes plaque and harmful bacteria easy to see. A mouth prop may also be used to retract your cheeks and lips to allow for better visualization.
- Airflow® cleaning: A controlled stream of warm water and powder gently remove biofilm from the tooth surfaces.
- Ultrasonic scaler: If there is any remaining color (indicating calcified plaque or tartar build-up), a cavitron ultrasonic scaler and/or hand instruments will be used to remove it.
Candidates for EMS Airflow® One
This service is available to all patients, but it is particularly beneficial for patients with:
- sensitive teeth
- dental implants
- braces
- periodontal disease
- dental anxiety or fear of dental instruments
This service is provided at no extra cost during your routine dental cleaning, as our philosophy is to provide the best quality care we can.
Clearwater Dentistry: A Dental Practice That Cares
At our dental office in Greeley, we have the latest technology to ensure your treatments are efficient, comfortable, and deliver outstanding results.
Our hygiene team is trained to use the EMS Airflow One machine. You can trust our team to provide exceptional care tailored to your needs.
To book an appointment at our dentist office in Greeley, CO, call (970) 515-3550 or complete the online inquiry form. Let us give you a superior clean and the confidence of a healthy smile!
FAQs about Guided Biofilm Therapy
Scaling uses sharp tools to scrape plaque and tartar off your teeth. Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) uses a dye to highlight the plaque followed by a gentle spray of warm water combined with a fine powder to clean plaque from your teeth. Some scaling may still be needed for any tartar build-up left remaining.
At our dental office, guided biofilm therapy has replaced traditional polishing with paste and is included in your teeth cleaning appointment, as we believe in providing the best care possible. We do not charge extra for this treatment. If your insurance covers regular dental cleanings, it will cover this treatment.
Yes, GBT is backed by research and trusted by dental professionals world-wide. It is safe, effective, and great for improving your oral and systemic health.
