Dental prophylaxis

At DENT ESTET, we are dedicated to promoting a preventive and proactive approach to dental health, prioritizing our patient's well-being.  We believe in the power of a healthy smile and in maintaining dental health long-term, which is why we strive to provide you with the information you need to make the best decisions for your health.

Through a rigorous dental prevention and prophylaxis program, we offer you the chance to maintain a healthy, bright smile over the long term, reducing the need for costly and invasive treatments.

What is Prophylaxis?

Dental prophylaxis is the first and most essential step in maintaining oral health, critical for preventing dental issues. It involves a series of habits and care measures designed to protect your teeth and gums long-term.

The first step is to adopt a proper home hygiene routine: daily brushing, flossing, and using mouthwash to remove food debris and plaque. However, this daily care should be complemented by regular visits to your dentist, where professional scalings can remove plaque and tartar, reducing the risk of tooth decay and gum disease.

Prophylaxis is not only about prevention; it’s also about early detection of potential dental problems. Regular check-ups allow the dentist to spot minor issues early before they require more complex and costly treatments. This helps you avoid the discomfort and stress associated with advanced dental problems.

By adopting a preventive lifestyle, you ensure a healthy smile for life. Maintaining dental health begins with small daily habits and visits to your dentist every six months for a professional scaling.

Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)

At DENT ESTET, we’ve introduced Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT), a highly advances approach to dental prophylaxis. Developed by the Swiss company EMS Dental, GBT is an advanced method that allows the dentist to effectively and precisely remove bacterial plaque and tartar. This modern prophylaxis technique, applied during professional scalings in DENT ESTET clinics, offers numerous benefits for patients.

Steps in a GBT Prophylaxis Session:

1. Initial Evaluation:
   The dentist begins with a clinical assessment of oral health, checking the teeth, gums, and periodontal tissues, including implants and peri-implant tissues.
2. Bacterial Plaque Disclosure:
   Using the EMS Biofilm Discloser, the biofilm on teeth and gums becomes visible with a purple color, guiding the dentist to the areas requiring cleaning. After this step, tartar is easier to detect.
3. Removal of Stains, Biofilm, and Tartar with AIRFLOW®:
   The dentist uses AIRFLOW® MAX for natural teeth, prosthetic restorations or implants, gums, tongue, and palate, and AIRFLOW® PLUS for superficial supra- and subgingival biofilm.
4. Remaining Tartar Removal with PIEZON® PS:
   For removing tougher supra- and subgingival tartar, the dentist uses the EMS PIEZON® PS ultrasonic tip, with EMS PIEZON® PI MAX for cleaning implants or prosthetic work.

After completing these steps, the dentist conducts a final check, during which they may diagnose any cavities. A fluoride solution or antiseptic gel for the gums is then applied, after which the patient should refrain from consuming food or liquids for 60 minutes.

During this phase, the dentist also provides information on proper brushing techniques to be performed at home and personalized recommendations to limit plaque or tartar build-up between in-office prophylaxis sessions. For optimal oral health, a new prophylaxis session is recommended every six months or more frequently as needed.

The Benefits of Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)

1. Maximum Comfort:
   GBT technology is pain-free and comfortable for patients, eliminating the discomfort often associated with traditional prophylaxis procedures.
2. High Efficiency:
   By using advanced technologies like AIRFLOW®, PERIOFLOW®, and PIEZON® PS No Pain, GBT effectively removes bacterial plaque and tartar, even in hard-to-reach areas.
3. Personalization and Safety:
   GBT treatment protocols are tailored to each patient's individual needs, ensuring a safe and comfortable experience during the procedure.
4. Scientifically Validated Method:
   The effectiveness and safety of GBT technology are backed by numerous studies, confirming its benefits for professional oral prophylaxis.

Oral Hygiene Tips for At-Home Care

While regular visits to the dentist are essential for maintaining dental health, good oral hygiene practices at home play a crucial role in preventing dental problems. Here are some important tips for effective at-home oral care:

Brushing at Home:

Brush your teeth at least twice a day, in the morning and evening, for at least two minutes each time. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste, with gentle, circular motions to remove bacterial plaque and food particles.

Flossing:

Flossing is essential for cleaning between the teeth where a toothbrush cannot reach. Use floss at least once a day, preferably before evening brushing, to remove plaque and prevent cavities and gum disease.

Using Mouthwash:

Mouthwash is an effective way to remove food particles and bacteria, complementing the cleaning process. Choose an alcohol-free mouthwash with fluoride to strengthen enamel and prevent cavities.

Using Interdental Brushes or Oral Irrigators:

For those with tight interdental spaces, braces, or prosthetic work, using an interdental brush or oral irrigator can help clean hard-to-reach areas, preventing bacterial plaque and tartar buildup.

In conclusion, adequate at-home oral hygiene is essential for maintaining dental health and a bright smile. Follow these recommendations and remember to schedule regular visits at DENT ESTET to keep your oral health at its best.

Steps for Correct Tooth Brushing:

Brush twice a day

Brush for two minutes, especially at night before bed, without consuming any food or drinks afterward, except water.

Start with interdental spaces:

Use about 50 centimeters of dental floss wound around the middle fingers, holding it between the thumb and forefinger. Use a gentle up-and-down motion on each side of the tooth. Alternatives like interdental brushes or an oral irrigator can be used if flossing is uncomfortable.

Move to brushing:

Position the toothbrush at a 45˚ angle to the vertical surface of the teeth so the bristles touch both the gums and teeth. Brush gently in circular motions from gum to tooth (from pink to white). Avoid pressing too hard or using a stiff brush, as these can damage the teeth.

Finish with mouthwash:

Complete your oral hygiene routine by rinsing with mouthwash after brushing. Choose from a range of mouthwash options based on preference, and consult your dentist on the best type for specific needs.

Daily brushing is essential, but even when done correctly and consistently, it cannot completely prevent tartar formation. Therefore, regular prophylaxis sessions for professional tartar removal are necessary to maintain optimal dental health. In addition, routine check-ups with your dentist play a crucial role in early detection of potential issues, ensuring long-lasting oral health.