Your routine dental cleaning is one of the best ways you can protect your dental health, smile, and overall health and well-being. A professional dental cleaning removes the plaque, bacteria, and tartar buildup that you might've missed during your home care routine.
But what if you find the procedure uncomfortable? You're not alone! Many patients dislike the sensation of having plaque scraped off their teeth with the metal hand tools typically used by hygienists. That's why we offer airflow-guided biofilm therapy, which caters to patients who may have sensitivities to traditional teeth cleaning methods. Here's everything you should know about this modern dental cleaning technique.
What Is Airflow Guided Biofilm Therapy?
This innovative approach to teeth cleaning uses a combination of water, air, and fine powder to remove biofilm, or plaque buildup, from your teeth. Airflow technology also targets tooth surface stains, leaving your teeth a little brighter after your procedure. This method also utilizes a non-toxic dye to identify areas of plaque and biofilm buildup, allowing your hygienist to specifically target the areas that require the most attention.
The procedure begins with the application of the dye. Next, your hygienist uses a specialized device to spray a controlled stream of warm water, air, and powder onto the tooth, removing the dye, plaque, and biofilm buildup without any scraping or discomfort for the patient. The procedure is comfortable, gentle, and an excellent choice for patients with sensitive teeth. It's also highly effective in cleaning around dental restorations, such as crowns and implants, as well as orthodontic brackets and wires. The process is also efficient, typically taking less time than a traditional dental cleaning, as it combines multiple procedures.
How Does Airflow Guided Biofilm Therapy Compare to a Traditional Cleaning?
Let's examine the differences between bio cleaning and traditional cleaning so you can make informed choices about your dental health and the procedures that best suit your needs.
Technique
- Bio Teeth Cleaning — Instead of hand tools, bio cleanings use one device that combines the power of warm water, air, and fine powder to remove plaque and biofilm. The stream of cleaning materials can also reach slightly beneath the gumline.
- Traditional Teeth Cleaning — During a traditional cleaning, your hygienist uses ultrasonic and manual hand tools to scrape and scale away plaque and biofilm buildup. This can feel uncomfortable for patients with tooth sensitivities.
Efficacy
- Bio Teeth Cleaning — Airflow guided biofilm therapy is highly effective in removing surface tooth stains as well as plaque and biofilm buildup. It's capable of cleaning hard-to-reach places, such as right beneath the gumline and other tight tooth crevices.
- Traditional Teeth Cleaning — A traditional cleaning effectively removes plaque and bacteria buildup, but may not be as effective in eliminating surface stains on teeth.
Comfort
- Bio Teeth Cleaning — This teeth cleaning method is meant to be gentle. The warm water feels soothing, while the fine powder is gentle on tooth enamel. Patients with tooth sensitivity may find this to be an excellent option.
- Traditional Teeth Cleaning — Some patients find a traditional teeth cleaning to be uncomfortable due to tool vibration or the scraping technique needed to remove plaque and tartar buildup effectively.
Time
- Bio Teeth Cleaning — Because this process is streamlined, it is often faster than a traditional teeth cleaning, which requires multiple steps to complete.
- Traditional Teeth Cleaning — This procedure has multiple steps that may be time-consuming, especially if the patient has heavy plaque buildup.
What Are the Benefits of Airflow Guided Biofilm Therapy?
Airflow guided therapy offers several advantages over traditional teeth cleaning methods, which our patients appreciate.
- Thoroughness — Airflow guided biofilm therapy delivers a thorough and effective cleaning that targets common surface stains on teeth, as well as the plaque and biofilm buildup that causes tooth decay, cavities, and gum disease.
- Efficiency — Combining multiple aspects of a traditional teeth cleaning, like scaling, polishing, and flossing, makes airflow therapy a quicker process, which means less time in the dental chair for patients.
- Comfort — A bio cleaning in Charlotte is much more comfortable for many patients who have sensitivities to the scaling that takes place during a traditional teeth cleaning.
- Refreshing — Airflow guided biofilm therapy leaves your teeth feeling clean and fresh, eliminating bad breath and boosting your confidence.
Dr. Sergei Shirman and his team at Dental Wellness of Charlotte are dedicated to delivering the most advanced dentistry to our patients and the dental community. That's why Dr. Shirman invested in airflow technology. We invite you to experience the difference that technology, compassion, and a commitment to excellence can make in your smile, dental health, and your experience at our Charlotte dental office.
Why Are Preventive Teeth Cleanings So Important?
Visiting your South Charlotte dentist every six months is one of the best ways to protect not only your dental health, but also your overall well-being. It can also save you valuable time in the dental chair and money from your budget.
For example, suppose Dr. Shirman spots tooth decay in its earliest stages during your routine exam. In that case, you will likely successfully treat it with a simple dental filling, which is both affordable and non-invasive. You'll be on your way with your tooth restored to health in no time!
Now, let's say you skip your preventive dental visit because of your hectic work schedule. That decay in your tooth now has six extra months to progress further. It may become larger and eventually spread into the nerve and pulp of your tooth, where it can cause a painful infection. You can't resolve a tooth infection without treatment, which is root canal therapy that eliminates the infection and preserves your natural tooth structure. An infected tooth, left untreated, will eventually become unsalvageable and will need to be removed to protect your health.
Needless to say, all of this can be avoided when you consistently visit your dentist every six months for preventive teeth cleanings and checkups. Dr. Shirman will screen you for common problems, such as tooth decay, gum disease, and cavities, which can help you avoid dental infections. Your hygienist gently removes the plaque and biofilm buildup that contributes to these same concerns.
Contact Dental Wellness of Charlotte
If it's time for your next dental cleaning and checkup, we'd love to show you the benefits of a bio teeth cleaning! Contact our team at (704) 317-7337 to schedule an appointment.