Core Dental is committed to the health and well-being of all our patients, and we strive to ensure that each patient is as comfortable and relaxed as possible during every visit. Getting your teeth cleaned can often be thought of as an unpleasant and painful experience. That is why Core Dental is excited to provide Calgary Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), an advanced protocol for cleaning teeth in a more efficient, effective, and comfortable way.
Your Choice for Safe, Effective, Efficient and Gentle Teeth Cleaning in Downtown Calgary!
What is GBT?
Guided Biofilm Technology (GBT) is a minimally invasive cleaning system that uses advanced tools to remove biofilm or bacterial deposits on the surface of teeth. While traditional methods of cleaning use manual (hand) and ultrasonic instruments, GBT uses AirFlow technology to remove bacteria in the mouth that contribute to gum disease and tooth decay, minimizing the need for traditional hand tool scraping and messy polishes, and providing a more comfortable way of cleaning. This systematic and predictable method of biofilm management is a safe, effective, efficient, and gentle method of cleaning, offering deeper cleaning without directly touching the gums and teeth. The combination of warm water, air, and soft cleaning powder is gentler for teeth, gums, and soft tissue, making it highly effective and efficient.
Benefits of GBT
Dental biofilm, a sticky and colourless substance made up of bacteria, is the main cause of cavities, periodontal disease, and infection. If not removed, biofilm can build up around areas between the teeth and gums, resulting in gum disease and periodontitis. Periodontitis increases the risk of systemic diseases like Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. At Core Dental, we want to remove harmful biofilm as effectively and thoroughly as possible, without scratching or damaging teeth. Using the GBT system can minimize the need for hand instruments used during traditional cleaning (scraping) and also eliminate the need for messy gritty polishing paste at the end of the cleaning process. Since GBT does not touch the teeth like traditional cleaning does, it is more gentle, meaning that people with braces, bridges, crowns, and implants are eligible for treatment. The treatment is so gentle, that it can be used on natural teeth, orthodontic braces, restorations, implants, tongue, and gums. The efficiency of GBT also reduces time spent in the hygienist chair in the short run and means fewer visits to the dentist in the long run.
The GBT Process
- The GBT process begins with a dental examination, which includes an inspection of any work and/or appliances. To qualify for GBT, the soft tissue of your mouth must be healthy. Next, you will rinse with a preprocedural mouthwash, which reduces the bacterial load in your mouth and minimizes aerosol contamination.
- An EMS Biofilm Discloser will be applied to the teeth. This is a purple dye solution that dyes areas where plaque is and acts as a guide during the cleaning process. Because plaque can be colourless and therefore difficult to spot with the naked eye, locating biofilm using accurate markers prevents missing spots that require cleaning. The dye is also a great visual for patients to see which areas they are missing at home.
- Depending on a patient’s needs, a combination of up to three cleaning systems (handpieces) are used to gently remove biofilm, staining, and light deposits.
- The AirFlow® is a handheld device used for dental cleaning and polishing. It delivers warm water with a very fine non-abrasive powder, to remove biofilm deposits up to 4mm below the gum line. It is so gentle that it can be used on soft tissue and is safe for all dental surfaces. AirFlow® removes biofilm, early stains, as well as calculus on the enamel, and makes the tooth surface perfectly smooth.
- The PerioFlow® is a handheld device used for periodontal therapy and can remove calculus from gum pockets as deep as 9 mm. It is a powerful device but is gentle thereby preventing sensitivity.
- The Piezon® PS tip is used for non-surgical treatment of periodontitis and gingivitis, cleaning pockets in your teeth that are deeper than 10mm. It is highly effective in removing any remaining supra and sublingual calculus from very deep residual pockets and sulcus that the AirFlow® and PeriFlow® did not reach, without pain.
- The final check ensures all bacteria and deposits have been effectively removed, and screens one final time for any decay. The teeth are then protected with a fluoride seal.
- Depending on your oral hygiene and a risk assessment, your next appointment will be scheduled, which is usually between 3-6 months.
GBT is an innovative treatment that removes biofilm from teeth to prevent cavities, gum disease, and infections. An alternative to handheld cleaning, it uses tools and devices to effectively clean teeth in a gentle, comfortable, and efficient way. If you have any questions about GBT or the GBT process, or you would like to set up an appointment with a dedicated Core Dental team member, please call us today at (403) 265-5724 and we will be happy to help.
We look forward to hearing from you soon. Call Core Dental at (403) 265-5724 to set up a Guided Biofilm Therapy appointment today!
