Why Guided Biofilm Therapy
My experience with the Guided Biofilm Therapy
As a dentist with over 40 years of experience, I can assure my peers that Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is the updated version of Axelsson and Lindhe’s recall session. This modern approach is based on the sub- and supragingival biofilm removal using air-polishing technology with AIRFLOW® PLUS Powder.
Developed in collaboration with universities and dental practices, GBT is a concept designed for contemporary prophylaxis. Based on decades of scientific knowledge and evidence, GBT is the next step in modern prophylaxis concepts.
The GBT concept ensures a systematic and quality-orientated approach, covering greeting of the patient, diagnostic data collection, everyday oral hygiene advice, professional tooth cleaning, the dentist’s final diagnosis and check-ups, and chemically supported plaque removal, as well as recalls. Alongside the disclosing of the supragingival biofilm, the process of professional tooth cleaning has changed considerably since Axelsson and Lindhe’s work.
The eight steps that comprise GBT can be adapted to the treatment, from initial therapy to maintenance therapy. GBT is for healthy patients and for patients with dental caries (especially in the initial stages), gingivitis, periodontitis, peri-implant mucositis or peri-implantitis.
This contemporary approach begins with sub- and supragingival biofilm removal using air-polishing technology with AIRFLOW® PLUS® Powder. This erythritol-based powder guarantees targeted, gentle, risk-orientated removal of the biofilm to support the initial diagnosis. This is followed by the minimally invasive removal of mineralised build-up with PIEZON® NO PAIN. This approach has many additional benefits, including short treatment times and maximum comfort for both the technician and the patient. GBT is minimally invasive. Polishing paste and rubber cups are no longer necessary.
With GBT, we can finally carry out professional biofilm management effectively, gently, safely, quickly, comfortably and without pain.
For the best results, it is especially important to use the correct devices and tools, guided by the latest scientific knowledge. Currently, there are a few new products on the powder market, most of which lack appropriate clinical studies to support their claims of efficacy. However, in addition to the powders’ properties and scientific evidence that these powders are biocompatible and do not cause damage, it has become imperative for these powders to be compatible with dental devices.
This is a strength of Switzerland-based EMS, who has not only significantly contributed to the development of GBT, but also provided suitable devices and tools (AIRFLOW® Prophylaxis Master, PLUS® Powder, AIRFLOW® and PERIOFLOW® handpieces, PERIOFLOW® nozzle, PIEZON® NO PAIN). We have been using the new AIRFLOW® Prophylaxis Master and AIRFLOW® PLUS Powder in our practice and appreciate the low level of maintenance required, as well as the easy sub- and supragingival cleaning in just one step.
The scientific knowledge and technological progress for a paradigm change in professional prophylaxis have now been established. Now is the time to integrate these developments into our everyday practice for the well-being of our patients and ourselves.