Subgingival Airflow Therapy
Subgingival Airflow Therapy is a professional treatment used to remove bacterial biofilm from beneath the gumline and inside selected periodontal or peri-implant pockets.
The treatment uses a controlled combination of air, warm water and a very fine cleaning powder. A specially designed nozzle allows the flow to reach below the gumline, helping clean areas that cannot be accessed effectively through normal brushing alone.
Why might Subgingival Airflow Therapy be recommended?
- Periodontal pockets containing bacterial biofilm
- Bleeding or inflammation around selected teeth
- Maintenance following periodontal treatment
- Persistent biofilm in areas that are difficult to clean
- Cleaning around suitable dental implants
- Supportive care for patients with a history of gum disease
- Reducing bacterial build-up during periodontal maintenance
What does “subgingival” mean?
Subgingival simply means beneath the gumline. When periodontal disease develops, the space between the tooth and gum can deepen and form a periodontal pocket.
Biofilm can collect inside these pockets where toothbrushes and standard cleaning methods may not reach. Subgingival Airflow Therapy is designed to target these hidden areas more precisely.
How does the treatment work?
A slim, flexible nozzle may be gently placed into the periodontal pocket. A controlled stream of water, air and fine powder is then delivered around the root surface to disrupt and remove soft bacterial biofilm.
Fine powders such as glycine or erythritol may be used because they are less abrasive than traditional air-polishing powders and are designed for suitable subgingival applications.
What happens during the appointment?
Your gums will first be assessed using your periodontal measurements and previous treatment records. This allows the clinician to identify which pockets may benefit from subgingival cleaning.
The selected areas are then treated using appropriate airflow equipment and settings. Any remaining hardened calculus may need to be removed separately using ultrasonic or hand instruments.
Does Airflow remove calculus?
Subgingival Airflow is primarily designed to remove soft bacterial biofilm. It should not be presented as a complete replacement for instruments used to remove hardened calculus.
If calculus is present beneath the gumline, additional ultrasonic or hand instrumentation may be required as part of the same appointment or treatment plan.
Will the treatment hurt?
Many patients find subgingival air polishing comfortable because it uses fine powder and warm water rather than relying entirely on scraping instruments.
You may feel pressure, water movement or mild sensitivity around inflamed areas. Local anaesthetic may be considered if deeper pockets are particularly sensitive or if additional root-surface cleaning is required.
What can I expect afterwards?
- A cleaner feeling around the treated teeth
- Mild temporary tenderness or sensitivity
- Light bleeding where the gums were inflamed
- Reduced swelling as the tissues begin to settle
- Temporary awareness of spaces between the teeth
Any tenderness should usually settle quickly. Contact the practice if you develop significant pain, swelling or persistent bleeding.
Can it be used around dental implants?
Subgingival Airflow Therapy may be used around suitable dental implants and implant-supported restorations using specially selected equipment and powders.
The area must first be assessed carefully because implant pocket depth, inflammation, restoration design and the condition of the supporting tissues can all affect the treatment approach.
Is it used during active treatment or maintenance?
Subgingival air polishing is commonly used as part of supportive periodontal or implant maintenance to remove recurring biofilm from previously treated pockets.
It may also be included within active treatment in selected situations, but deeper periodontal disease may still require thorough mechanical instrumentation and further assessment.
How can I maintain the results?
- Brush thoroughly twice each day using fluoride toothpaste
- Clean between the teeth daily using the recommended brushes or floss
- Pay particular attention to areas that continue to bleed
- Attend periodontal reviews and maintenance appointments as advised
- Avoid smoking, as it increases the risk of periodontal disease
- Follow any personalised implant or periodontal cleaning instructions
Targeted cleaning beneath the gumline
Subgingival Airflow Therapy provides a precise and minimally invasive way to remove soft biofilm from selected periodontal and peri-implant pockets. When combined with appropriate calculus removal, effective home care and regular monitoring, it can support healthier and more stable gums over time.