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Guided Biofilm Therapy – it just makes sense!

by adminjay



Ahead of the Guided Biofilm Therapy Summit in London this September, speaker Benjamin Tighe shares his evidence-based perspective on making a difference in the fight against periodontal disease.

Over the years, in terms of gum disease progression, there has been some discussion about the point at which dental professionals should intervene. What does current evidence suggest about that?

The Economist published a white paper recently about the financial burden of periodontal disease. It’s one of the world’s most common diseases, but often treatment is delayed due to access to dental care, finances, or people just not knowing enough about oral health.

It’s really important we prevent disease in the first place – prevention is always better than cure. It is cheaper and better for your overall health if you visit a hygienist regularly.

As part of that care, and having seen the personal costs of gum disease first hand, why do you think air flow is the way forward over other professional prophylaxis protocols?

It’s the most efficient, pain-free, minimally invasive way to remove biofilm and deposits. If it’s comfortable, the patients don’t dread seeing us – no more cold water, screeching or sensitivity. It also flips the appointment and makes education the priority, so the patients take more ownership of their oral health.

Is it important to follow all eight steps of the Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) protocol?

GBT’s creator, EMS, has invested a lot into research and development, and every step has an array of studies backing it up. It’s important because it standardises the care across the hygiene team, and it just makes sense!

What types of patients and oral conditions do you use GBT for?

It’s perfect for the older patient with lots of recession, the image-conscious millennial who wants white, stain-free teeth, and the six-year-old who’s struggling with brushing. So long as there are no contraindications, I will use it on everyone. My patients double check with me that they’re getting GBT now – nobody wants to go back to the old-fashioned way.

What does success look like for you in terms of patient outcomes?

Stability. I want the plaque and bleeding scores to be minimal, and no pocket depths greater than four. When I first see the patient, I discuss this with them so they’re aware of my expectations. When I’m doing my assessments, they listen out for their numbers and are a lot more engaged in the appointment than they used to be.

How does your upcoming case presentation for the GBT Summit in London reflect that?

Ask any GBT user and they’ll say each case is special because the patient feedback is always amazing. I’m torn between two cases to present at the summit – you’ll have to register to find out which one I choose.

What advice would you offer anyone considering changing from traditional methods to air flow technology?

Get on an SDA course – we spend six hours going through everything GBT. It’s an open forum for you to ask all the questions you want.

Also, get a GBT expert into your practice for a demo. It’s great to show the other clinicians the most state-of-the art-system out there.

Lastly, speak to other GBT users – many hygienists are buying their own units now. Immerse yourself in the endless amounts of research. There is so much!

The GBT protocol in eight simple steps

1. Assess – probe and screen every clinical case
2. Disclose – make biofilm visible
3. Motivate – raise awareness and teach
4. Airflow – remove biofilm, stains and early calculus
5. Perioflow – remove biofilm in >4 to 9 mm pockets
6. Piezon No Pain – remove remaining calculus
7. Check – make your patient smile
8. Recall – a healthy patient equals a happy patient.

The Guided Biofilm Therapy Summit is coming to London!

The Guided Biofilm Therapy summit is coming to London on 16 September 2022 from 9am – 4pm. To book your place, visit www.dentistry.co.uk/shows/gbt-summit/

Taking place at the Royal College of Physicians, London, delegates can earn five ECPD hours. The GBT Summit in London will bring together leading international experts and clinicians to share information about preventive dentistry and modern therapies to support existing GBT users and those looking for new ways to elevate their skillset.

The Summit is ideal for anyone who is focused on the delivery of front-line oral health for patients. This includes hygienists, therapists, dentists, periodontists, and any other dental professional who would like to increase their knowledge to support their team’s preventive efforts.

The exciting line-up for the day is as follows:

  • Victoria Sampson – The oral microbiome – what is it and why is it so important?
  • Faye Donald – GBT clinical case study
  • Alfonso Rao – My implant full arch went really well… but what to do after surgery
  • Anna Middleton – Using GBT to build direct access
  • Celso Da Costa – Why invest in prophylaxis?
  • Jolene Pinder – GBT clinical case study
  • George Cheetham – Making hygiene appointments a priority within the practice workflow
  • Benjamin Tighe – GBT clinical case study
  • Reena Wadia – Periodontal therapy
  • Lottie Manahan – GBT clinical case study.

To register and book your place, simply visit www.dentistry.co.uk/shows/gbt-summit/

Places are limited, so don’t delay!



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