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PERIODONTIC SECTION

GUIDED BIOFILM THERAPY IN DENTISTRY-

BRIDGING DISCIPLINES FOR OPTIMAL

ORAL HEALTH

Ashank Mishra

Dental biofilm plays a very crucial role in the etiopathogenesis of
periodontal and peri-implant diseases. Periodontal or peri-implant
therapy usually begins with primarily removing the biofilm and is
considered as non-surgical mechanical debridement. Although scaling
and root planing (SRP) is regarded as a gold standard for mechanical
plaque debridement, various other means of biofilm removal have
constantly been evolving.
Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) is created by EMS, a Swiss-based
market leader in professional prophylaxis and a pioneer in modern
biofilm management. It is a revolutionary approach to dental hygiene
that leverages advanced technologies like AIRFLOW®, PERIOFLOW®,
and PIEZON®. Scientifically validated, GBT effectively addresses
dental biofilm, the harmful bacteria that contribute to oral health
issues.
GBT provides customized treatment plans tailored to each
patient’s unique needs and risk factors, ensuring optimal outcomes.
The treatment is designed to be gentle, comfortable, and safe, while Fig 1
delivering exceptional results.

CASE REPORT
In this report, a 34-year-old male, systemically healthy, nonsmoker
patient with chronic localized periodontitis is presented. On
periodontal examination, moderate gingival inflammation with
marginal and papillary enlargement (Bokenkamp and Bohnhorst
Grade I) was observed irt maxillary and mandibular anteriors.
There was exudation irt mandibular anteriors and recession irt teeth
numbers 31 and 41 (Figure 1). After the assessment was done, two
tone EMS biofilm discloser (presoaked pellet) was used to disclose the
biofilm which is typically not visible to the naked eye. As a plaque
detector, the disclosing agent aids in patient education and motivation,
enabling patients to assess their oral hygiene status and measure their
oral hygiene home care performance. (Figure 2)
The next step was ‘Air flowing’ which was done by a standalone device
called as Airflow Prophylaxis master. AIRFLOW® MAX handpiece
was used to remove the supragingival and shallow subgingival (<4
mm) plaque. It was kept at a distance of 2-5mm and at an angulation Fig 2
of approximately 30-70 degrees moved in a continuous half circle, or
in a “smiley face,” motion that moves along the tooth at power settings No Pain technology is an intelligent feedback system that detects
of 4 and water settings at 100%. Air flowing was done with AIRFLOW the resistance on the instrument while scaling and automatically
®PLUS powder which is 14µ erythritol. While air flowing, GBT Flow increases or decreases the power of vibration.
control which is high speed suction designed to control aerosols was Final check for the remaining biofilm was done and Air foam
used. Air flowing is an integral part of GBT. (Figure 3) was applied for a fresh and smooth feeling. The patient was happy
Piezon® No Pain was used to remove the remaining visible calculus. and gratified with the treatment. He was recalled after 2 weeks and
The minimally invasive EMS PS instrument was used. PIEZON® significant clinical outcomes were noticed. (Figure 4)

48 Dental Practice I July-August 2024 I Vol 20 No 4