Guided Biofilm Therapy: A Gentle Approach to Dental Cleanings

GBT vs. Traditional Dental Cleanings

During the traditional teeth cleaning procedure, sharp instruments are used to remove tartar and other deposits on teeth. Guided biofilm therapy uses less invasive methods that include targeted application of pressurized water and the use of mildly abrasive powders, air and water to remove stains and plaque from teeth. This allows our patients to relax and feel more comfortable throughout the dental cleaning process at Dental Associates of Northern Virginia in Fair Oaks. Best of all, GBT is one of the best ways to ensure that all plaque is removed during your dental cleaning procedure.

Why Thorough Removal of Biofilm and Plaque Is Essential

The bacteria that naturally live inside your mouth break down the foods you eat to produce plaque, a sticky whitish substance that adheres to tooth enamel. Also referred to as biofilm, plaque must be removed promptly and completely to prevent it from breaking down tooth enamel to cause cavities. Removing biofilm from your teeth with regular brushing and flossing can reduce the risk of cavities, tooth decay and gum disease. At Dental Associates of Northern Virginia in Fair Oaks, we work with our patients to find the best solutions for removing plaque and tartar both at home and in our office in Fairfax.

Benefits of GBT for Our Patients

Guided biofilm therapy offers some real advantages for our patients in Fairfax. Here are some of the key benefits of this advanced and innovative dental cleaning method:

• GBT is designed to educate our patients about areas that may be missed during brushing and flossing. By providing feedback to patients in our office through GBT, we can help our patients improve their dental hygiene routine at home to protect teeth from the damaging effects of plaque.
• For patients who regularly experience dental anxiety, guided biofilm therapy eliminates the use of sharp instruments and abrasive methods. This can reduce the stress and anxiety regarding this necessary dental treatment and can help our patients feel more comfortable during their teeth cleaning appointments.
• GBT can whiten teeth and eliminate some stains to create a brighter, more beautiful smile for our patients.
• Regular dental cleanings are essential to reduce the impact of plaque on your teeth. GBT is an effective method for lowering your risk of gum disease, reducing the chance of cavities and preventing tooth decay for the patients we see at Dental Associates of Northern Virginia in Fair Oaks.

How GBT Works

Our dental team will go through several steps to complete your guided biofilm therapy procedure:

• First, a thorough dental exam will be performed to identify any issues with your teeth and gums. If cavities or signs of gum disease are found, our dental team will provide you with a treatment plan to address these issues promptly and effectively.
• Our dental team will then provide you with a purple-tinted mouthwash solution to rinse your teeth for 40 seconds or longer. This will highlight the problem areas where biofilm is present by staining them purple.
• We will then show you the areas where more attention is needed between, behind or on the surfaces of your teeth. The purple stains will provide you with added insights into your own dental hygiene habits and can allow you to brush and floss more effectively at home.
• Our dental hygiene professionals will then use airflow therapies to remove plaque and biofilm. By combining compressed air and pressurized water with a specialized dental powder, we can remove plaque and tartar safely. These methods can even be used to remove pockets of infection from under gums to reduce the risk of periodontal disease and to promote the healthiest and cleanest teeth and gums for you and your family.
• Ultrasonic scaling techniques may also be required to remove stains and tartar from teeth. This method uses water under pressure to eliminate tartar and plaque to leave teeth cleaner and healthier.
• Our dentists at Dental Associates of Northern Virginia in Fair Oaks will check your teeth to make sure that all plaque and tartar has been removed effectively and that your teeth are as sparkling clean as possible after your visit with us.

If you are interested in guided biofilm therapy or any of the other dental services we offer at Dental Associates of Northern Virginia in Fair Oaks, give us a call today at (703) 596-0875 to schedule your dental cleaning with us. Our team offers the best lineup of dental services in Fairfax and works with you to find the ideal solution for your needs. We are here to help you show off the brightest smile and the healthiest teeth possible now and in the future.