Guided Biofilm Therapy: A Gentle Approach to Dental Cleanings

What Is Guided Biofilm Therapy?

Guided biofilm therapy, also known as GBT, is an innovative new treatment that is designed specifically to reduce anxiety during teeth cleaning. The term biofilm refers to plaque, a sticky substance that is created when bacteria break down food inside your mouth. Plaque or biofilm adheres to the surfaces of the teeth and, if not properly removed, can attack the outer enamel of the tooth to cause cavities and tooth decay.

Traditional dental cleaning techniques use specialized instruments to scrape or polish away plaque and tartar, which is formed when plaque remains on teeth long enough to harden. These dental cleaning tools can be loud and can contribute to dental anxiety among some of the patients we see at Forever Family Dental of New Lenox. By contrast, guided biofilm therapy eliminates the need for scraping and grinding that can create stress for patients. We are proud to offer this treatment option for you and your family in New Lenox.

How Does GBT Work?

A few simple steps are necessary to achieve the best results from guided biofilm therapy:

• Assessing the condition of your teeth: The first step in the process is to evaluate the current state of your teeth. Your dentist at Forever Family Dental of New Lenox will look at your teeth carefully to spot any signs of decay or visible plaque deposits.
• Revealing plaque: A purple dental dye will be applied to teeth to highlight any areas where plaque is present. This can often allow you to see specific areas that are being missed during daily brushing and flossing, which can help you to improve your dental hygiene routine.
• Removing biofilm using Airflow and Perioflow therapies: Airflow dental cleanings use compressed air, dental polishing powder and water under pressure to remove biofilm and tartar safely and effectively. Your dentist at Forever Family Dental of New Lenox can also use Perioflow tools and techniques to remove pockets of bacteria from under your gums, which can reduce the risk of gum disease and can help you maintain better dental health.
• Eliminating tartar and biofilm: For patients who may not have had a dental cleaning in some time, ultrasonic scaling may be required to remove tartar. These cleaning methods use pressurized water to remove plaque, tartar, and bacteria without the use of sharp instruments that could cause anxiety in some patients.
• Checking your teeth for any remaining biofilm or tartar: As a final step in the process, our dental team will perform a thorough examination of your teeth to identify any spots that may have been missed during your dental cleaning and to resolve these issues quickly and effectively.

The dental professionals at Forever Family Dental of New Lenox can provide you with practical options for guided biofilm therapy in New Lenox. We work with you to make sure your experience in our office is as comfortable as possible.

What Are the Benefits of GBT?

Guided biofilm therapy offers numerous benefits for our patients. Some of the most important reasons to consider this dental cleaning method are listed here:

• GBT is much more comfortable for many patients. By eliminating the scraping and sharp instruments associated with traditional dental cleaning, guided biofilm therapy can reduce stress and anxiety for our patients in New Lenox.
• Because guided biofilm therapy offers immediate information on neglected areas of your teeth, you can often improve your dental hygiene routine at home for healthier teeth and gums.
• You can expect whiter and brighter teeth after your GBT appointment. This can help you show off a beautiful and confident smile to all those you meet.
• For most patients, GBT takes less time than most traditional dental cleaning methods. This can save you time on each visit to Forever Family Dental of New Lenox.

Our Dental Team Is Here to Help

If you are interested in GBT for yourself or a family member, the dental team at Forever Family Dental of New Lenox is ready to help. Give us a call today at (815) 410-1206 to schedule an appointment with our skilled and knowledgeable dental professionals. We are conveniently located in New Lenox and can deliver the right options for your dental care needs. At Forever Family Dental of New Lenox, we are here to help you achieve the brightest smiles for you and your family for years of better dental health.