Guided Biofilm Therapy in Cary, NC: The Latest Innovation in Dentistry!

Maintaining optimal oral health goes beyond regular brushing and flossing. As a result, dental professionals constantly evolve their techniques to efficiently remove plaque and biofilm and improve patients’ oral health. One such innovative method is guided biofilm therapy, a groundbreaking approach that revolutionizes dental care by targeting and eliminating plaque and harmful biofilm.

As one of the first dental practices to offer guided biofilm therapy in Cary, NC, we will delve into this dental cleaning service concept and explore its numerous benefits for patients in this post.

What Is Guided Biofilm Therapy?

Guided biofilm therapy (GBT) is a modern dental cleaning and oral hygiene management approach focusing on gently and thoroughly removing dental plaque and biofilm. It utilizes advanced technology and a systematic, evidence-based process to detect and effectively remove harmful dental biofilm from teeth and gums. The systemic process involves staining the biofilm to identify it, removing it using specialized instruments, and air polishing the teeth with a gentle spray to clean and polish them.

GBT allows your dentist to clean your teeth and remove plaque and tartar (the root cause of dental issues) without using sharp hand instruments. By targeting the root cause of dental problems, GBT can help to treat and prevent oral diseases, such as cavities and gum disease, thereby promoting healthier teeth and gums.

How Does Guided Biofilm Therapy Work?

Before we delve into how guided biofilm therapy works, let’s take a look at what biofilm is and how it affects our oral health.

Biofilm is a complex community of microorganisms that forms on various surfaces in the mouth, including teeth, gums, and dental restorations. It consists of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that adhere to each other and surfaces and are protected by a slimy matrix of extracellular polymeric substances.

Dental plaque, the sticky film accumulating on teeth, is a typical example of biofilm; brushing and flossing are crucial to removing it. However, there are times when biofilm can accumulate in hard-to-reach areas of the mouth. Left undisturbed, it can lead to various dental problems, including tartar formation, tooth decay, gum disease, and bad breath.

Fortunately, guided biofilm therapy combines professional expertise and state-of-the-art technology to remove biofilm and provide individualized and comprehensive oral care. It involves the following steps:

Step 1: Assessment

Guided biofilm therapy begins with a thorough assessment of your oral health condition. Your trusted Cary, NC dentist, Dr. Nathaniel Leedy, will apply a disclosing solution (colored dye) to your teeth. This solution will stain the biofilm, making it easier for him to visualize the area of biofilm accumulation and target the affected areas, thereby ensuring a customized treatment plan.

Step 2: Biofilm and Stain Removal

Once your dentist has identified the biofilm, it’s time to use the AirFlow Prophy Master system, which emits a controlled stream of water, air, and fine powder particles to clean your teeth. This system gently and precisely blasts away stains, biofilm, young calculus, and food deposits from your tooth surfaces, interdental spaces, and other hard-to-reach areas of your teeth.

Step 3: Subgingival Debridement

Subgingival debridement may be necessary if the biofilm has extended below your gum line. Using the AirFlow Prophy Master system, your dentist will access and remove biofilm from your teeth’s root surfaces to promote your gum health and prevent periodontal disease. Since the system avoids using sharp hand instruments, you will experience no pain and feel more comfortable during treatment.

Step 4: Home Care Plan

Following the guided biofilm therapy procedure, Dr. Leedy will provide personalized oral hygiene recommendations and instructions to maintain optimal oral health at home. This may include guidance on brushing and flossing techniques, interdental cleaning, and the use of antimicrobial gels or rinses.

The Biggest Benefits of Guided Biofilm Therapy

Guided biofilm therapy procedure offers several advantages over traditional dental cleaning methods. These include:

1. Efficiently Remove Plaque Buildup

Guided biofilm therapy utilizes advanced technologies and techniques to ensure precise biofilm removal, even from difficult-to-reach areas, thus improving overall treatment outcomes. By targeting and efficiently eliminating biofilm, it addresses the root cause of dental issues, thereby improving oral health and preventing future complications.

2. Remove More Stains, Debris, and Bacteria

Generally, guided biofilm therapy provides a precise and deeper clean than traditional cleaning methods. By removing plaque, stains, young tartar, debris, and food particles from your teeth and gums, it enhances the appearance of your teeth, resulting in a cleaner, brighter, and healthier smile.

3. Prevent Teeth Erosion

The sharp hand instruments used in traditional cleaning and scaling methods can injure the gums or erode (scrap away) the enamel. Guided biofilm therapy, on the other hand, substitutes a sharp hand instrument with a gentler and more comfortable approach that does not damage the gums and teeth’s structure.

4. Modern, Safe, Fast, and Comfortable

Guided biofilm therapy ensures a modern, safe, fast, and comfortable treatment by avoiding sharp hand instruments and combining advanced technology and gentle, meticulous techniques. Compared to traditional cleaning methods, GBT is less invasive, quicker, and more comfortable for patients, especially those with delicate or sensitive gums or dental anxiety.

Am I A Good Candidate for Guided Biofilm Therapy?

Determining whether you are a good candidate for guided biofilm therapy is best done through a consultation with Dr. Leedy. However, the factors below may indicate the suitability of guided biofilm therapy for your situation:

• Presence of dental biofilm
• History of dental caries, gum disease, or periodontal problems
• Sensitivity or discomfort during traditional scaling procedures
• Aesthetic concerns
• Your desire for preventive care

Ultimately, Dr. Leedy will assess your oral health, evaluate your specific needs, and determine whether you are a good candidate for guided biofilm therapy or other oral health solutions.

Clean and Protect Your Teeth With Guided Biofilm Therapy in Cary, NC

At Nathaniel Leedy, DMD Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we strive to keep our patients’ oral health in tip-top shape. We prioritize our patients’ comfort levels during treatments and use the latest dental technologies. That’s why we offer AirFlow-guided biofilm therapy in Cary, NC to remove your dental biofilm and promote your oral health.

Book an appointment with Dr. Leedy today, and say goodbye to biofilm-related woes for good!