Answers at a Glance
What is GBT periodontal care · Airflow, and and who is it right for?
GBT (Guided Biofilm Therapy) is an 8-step preventive care program. It stains the bacterial film (biofilm) on the teeth and gums so it can be seen, washes away the biofilm and stains with Airflow (a spray of fine powder), and removes only the remaining tartar with ultrasonic instruments. Compared with conventional scaling, it causes less damage to the tooth surface and less sensitivity, and it can also care for the areas around implants and orthodontic appliances. At The Barunface, it is used for implant patients and for oral care before and after surgery.
- Doctor in Charge
- Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee, Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
- Diagnosis
- Large FOV CBCT (3D CT) · Panoramic X-ray
- Anesthesia
- Local anesthesia · Conscious sedation · General anesthesia facilities
Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee Medically reviewed ·
Request a Consultation Consultation Prep Card11 Frequently Asked Questions
- Duration
- About 40–60 minutes
- Anesthesia
- Not needed
- Pain
- Almost none (little sensitivity)
- Recommended interval
- 3–6 months
- Stain removal
- Coffee, tobacco, and wine stains
- Insurance
- Airflow non-covered · Scaling covered once a year
This content was reviewed by board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee, Directorfor medical accuracy · Last reviewed
Recommended for You If
- For those with heavy coffee or cigarette stains
- For those who put off scaling because it is sensitive and painful
- For those who need care around implants and orthodontic appliances
- For those whose gums often swell and bleed
- For those who need to get their oral hygiene in order before orthognathic (double jaw) surgery or implant surgery
How is GBT performed?
The order is: ① Diagnosis ② Biofilm staining ③ Toothbrushing instruction ④ Removal of biofilm and stains with Airflow ⑤ Subgingival Airflow ⑥ Removal of only the remaining tartar with ultrasonic (Piezon) instruments ⑦ Check ⑧ Return visit plan.
How is Airflow different from scaling?
Scaling uses a metal tip to scrape off tartar and stains, while Airflow sprays warm water and fine powder to wash away biofilm and stains. It causes little damage to the surfaces of teeth, prosthetics, and implants, and less sensitivity. Hardened tartar still needs to be removed with ultrasonic scaling.
How often should I have it done?
Depending on the condition of your gums, we recommend visits every 3–6 months. For patients with implants, regular care is especially important to prevent peri-implantitis.
When Dr. Lee Recommends Treatment
Whether to recommend GBT periodontal care · Airflow is decided by diagnosis, not by photos or trends. Below are the criteria Dr. Lee actually uses in consultations, in his own words.
Rather than operating on more patients, I wanted to listen fully to each person's story, think it through myself, and stay with them responsibly from surgery through recovery.
I try to be straightforward and plain: I explain why something can be done and why something cannot.
Tests and Preparation Before Your Consultation
The scope of treatment is decided by examination results. At your first visit, we review the items below, then explain which treatments are needed and which are not.
| Test | What We Look At |
|---|---|
| Panoramic X-ray · 3D CT | We check the tooth roots, jawbone, nerve canal, and surrounding structures. |
| Oral Examination | We directly examine your gum condition, tooth wear, and bite. |
| Medical History Review | We ask about any medications you take (blood thinners, osteoporosis medication, etc.) and any systemic conditions. |
What to Bring
- X-rays and CT scans from your previous dentist (if available)
- Names of medications you are taking — especially blood thinners, osteoporosis medication, and diabetes medication
- Systemic conditions · pregnancy status
- A note of the areas that bother you and when it started
GBT Periodontal Care · Airflow Consultation Prep Card (Printable)
How Your Care Proceeds
- 01
Diagnosis · Staining
Gum condition check, with biofilm staining to identify areas that need care
- 02
Airflow
Biofilm and stain removal with powder spray
- 03
Piezon
Only the remaining tartar is removed with ultrasonic scaling
- 04
Check · Follow-up visit
Fluoride application, toothbrushing instruction, next care appointment
GBT Periodontal Care · Airflow Schedule and Recovery at a Glance
Basic information on treatment time, anesthesia, and recovery is summarized in the table. The actual schedule may vary depending on your diagnosis and individual condition, and will be explained again at your first visit.
| Item | Notice |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 40–60 minutes |
| Anesthesia | Not needed |
| Pain | Almost none (little sensitivity) |
| Recommended interval | 3–6 months |
| Stain removal | Coffee, tobacco, and wine stains |
| Insurance | Airflow non-covered · Scaling covered once a year |
Temporary sensitivity and gum bleeding may occur after the procedure. Please let us know in advance if you have a powder allergy or a severe respiratory condition. The degree of stain removal varies from person to person, and the natural color of the teeth itself is addressed through whitening. All surgeries and procedures may involve side effects such as bleeding, swelling, bruising, altered sensation, infection, asymmetry, and the possibility of revision surgery, and results and recovery speed vary from person to person. Please be sure to tell us about any systemic conditions, medications you are taking, and pregnancy during your consultation.
The doctor who consults with you oversees your GBT periodontal care · Airflow from start to finish
At The Barunface, consultation, diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up are all handled by one person: Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee, a board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon. We do not hand off stages to staff or other doctors.
Because the doctor who performs your treatment remembers the concerns you shared and the diagnosis from your first consultation, you can return directly to the doctor who first diagnosed you if any discomfort arises after treatment.
We tell you in advance, as fully as we can, what the process will involve, and we try to be with you as much as possible at the points where you are likely to find it most difficult.
Treatment Standards and Basis
- Doctor in Charge
- Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee, Board-Certified Oral & Maxillofacial Surgeon
- Diagnosis
- Large FOV CBCT (3D CT) · Panoramic X-ray
- Anesthesia
- Local anesthesia · Conscious sedation · General anesthesia facilities
GBT periodontal care · Airflow frequently asked questions 11 questions
01How much does GBT periodontal care · Airflow cost in Busan?
Based on The Barunface's non-covered fee schedule, Airflow (stain removal) is KRW 20,000, tooth nutrient treatment (tooth remineralization) is KRW 60,000, and biofilm test + nutrient remineralization + TBI is KRW 90,000. Airflow stain removal is non-covered (KRW 20,000 on the fee schedule), while scaling is covered by national health insurance once a year for those aged 19 and over. Preventive items such as the biofilm test + remineralization + tooth-brushing instruction (KRW 90,000) and fluoride application are also listed in the fee schedule. The exact total will be provided in writing after diagnosis.
02What are the side effects of GBT periodontal care · Airflow?
Temporary sensitivity and gum bleeding may occur after the procedure. Please let us know in advance if you have a powder allergy or a severe respiratory condition. The degree of stain removal varies from person to person, and the natural color of the teeth itself is addressed through whitening. All surgeries and procedures may involve side effects such as bleeding, swelling, bruising, altered sensation, infection, asymmetry, and the possibility of revision surgery, and results and recovery speed vary from person to person. Please be sure to tell us about any systemic conditions, medications you are taking, and pregnancy during your consultation.
03What are the anesthesia and duration for GBT periodontal care · Airflow?
The procedure takes about 40–60 minutes, and anesthesia is not needed. At The Barunface, Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee, a board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon, treats patients personally.
04Is GBT painful?
Airflow is usually comfortable, though you may feel slight sensitivity during ultrasonic tartar removal. Many patients say it feels more comfortable than conventional scaling.
05How long does it take?
It takes 40–60 minutes.
06Can it be done around implants?
Yes. Care is done with a powder that does not damage the implant surface, and it is recommended for preventing peri-implantitis.
07Can I have it during orthodontic treatment?
It is especially useful for managing biofilm around appliances.
08Will the stains come back?
If you have coffee or smoking habits, stains will return. Care every 3–6 months helps maintain the results.
09What about the cost?
The fee schedule lists Airflow at 20,000 KRW, non-insured scaling at 60,000 KRW, and biofilm test + remineralization + TBI at 90,000 KRW, among others.
10Does it also have a whitening effect?
Only surface stains are removed, so the teeth return to their original color. To brighten the teeth themselves, whitening is needed.
11Can it be done if my gums have receded a lot?
It can reach biofilm below the gumline, but deep periodontal pockets may need periodontal treatment first.
Costs and what to know before your visit
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Airflow (stain removal) | 210,000 KRW |
| Tooth nutrient treatment (tooth remineralization) | 610,000 KRW |
| Biofilm test + nutrient remineralization + TBI | 910,000 KRW |
| Fluoride application (1/4 arch) | 3.310,000 KRW |
| Non-insured scaling | 610,000 KRW |
Based on the non-covered fee schedule published by the director. The total cost varies depending on the extent of surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay, and tests. The exact cost will be provided after diagnosis.
Costs · Insurance
Airflow stain removal is not covered by insurance (fee schedule: 20,000 KRW), while scaling is covered by national health insurance once a year for patients aged 19 and over. Preventive items such as a biofilm test + remineralization + toothbrushing instruction (90,000 KRW) and fluoride application are also listed in the fee schedule. View non-covered fee schedule
Side effects · Precautions
Temporary sensitivity and gum bleeding may occur after the procedure. Please let us know in advance if you have a powder allergy or a severe respiratory condition. The degree of stain removal varies from person to person, and the natural color of the teeth itself is addressed through whitening. All surgeries and procedures may involve side effects such as bleeding, swelling, bruising, altered sensation, infection, asymmetry, and the possibility of revision surgery, and results and recovery speed vary from person to person. Please be sure to tell us about any systemic conditions, medications you are taking, and pregnancy during your consultation.
This information complies with the Medical Service Act and medical advertising review standards, and treatment results and recovery may vary from person to person. Please make your decision only after consulting with a specialist.
Related treatments
This content was reviewed by board-certified oral & maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Sang-Hoon Lee, Directorfor medical accuracy · Last reviewed