Direct Access Hygienist —
No referral needed
Fresher, healthier gums with AIRFLOW® cleaning
Book a hygiene visit directly with our team and experience gentle, thorough cleaning using AIRFLOW® (Guided Biofilm Therapy). It removes the bacterial biofilm that drives gum disease and lifts everyday stains comfortably; we then tidy any remaining tartar with precise ultrasonic tips.
Book Direct Access Hygiene
- Gentler experience – many patients report less discomfort than traditional scraping alone.
- Efficient visits – comparable clinical results to conventional cleaning, often in less time.
Why book our hygienist?
- Direct Access: you can see our hygienist without seeing a dentist first. If anything needs a dentist’s care, we’ll arrange that seamlessly.
- Comfort‑first AIRFLOW®: warmed water + ultra‑fine powder gently clears biofilm and stains—even around braces, implants and exposed root surfaces.
- Evidence‑based prevention: professional plaque control + tailored home‑care helps reduce gum inflammation and support long‑term oral health.
What is AIRFLOW® / Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT)?
AIRFLOW® is a modern, minimally invasive way to remove dental biofilm and surface stains using a precise jet of warm water, air and low‑abrasive powder (usually erythritol or glycine). It’s kind to enamel, fillings, veneers and implant surfaces. Any residual tartar is then removed with ultrasonic instruments.
Benefits patients feel
- Gentle & comfortable thanks to warmed water and ultra‑fine powder
- Noticeable stain removal from tea, coffee and tobacco
- Reaches the tricky bits around braces, bridges and implants
Benefits clinicians measure
- Comparable periodontal outcomes to traditional scaling
- Often quicker, helping shorten chair time
- Kind to implant/restorative surfaces when low‑abrasive powders are used
Balanced view: AIRFLOW® complements (not replaces) scaling. Heavy tartar still needs mechanical removal; many visits use both for the best result.
Your hygiene visit — step by step
- Medical history & gum health check
We assess your gums, measure any pocketing and discuss your goals. - Biofilm “disclose & show” (when helpful)
A harmless dye can highlight where plaque collects, so we can coach simple tweaks to brushing and interdental cleaning. - AIRFLOW® cleaning
Warm, gentle air‑polishing removes biofilm and everyday stains—even around orthodontic and implant work. - Targeted ultrasonic scaling
We conservatively remove any remaining tartar with slim tips. - Personalised prevention plan
Tailored home‑care, diet/smoking advice and your ideal maintenance interval (often every 3–6 months depending on risk).
Direct Access — what it means for you
Under UK Direct Access, dental hygienists and dental therapists can see patients directly and carry out their full scope of practice (tooth whitening excepted). If your hygienist finds anything that needs a dentist’s diagnosis or treatment, they’ll arrange a referral with one of our dentists.
- No referral needed — ideal if you’re between dentists or maintaining results between check‑ups
- Clear information — we’ll explain exactly what’s included and what happens if you need additional care
- Safe & regulated — our hygienists work to GDC standards and within their competence
FAQs
Is AIRFLOW® suitable for sensitive teeth?
Most people find it very comfortable thanks to warmed water and low-abrasive powder. If you’re
sensitive, we can adjust settings or use desensitising measures.
Is it safe around implants, veneers or braces?
Yes. Low-abrasive powders (erythritol/glycine) clean effectively while being gentle on enamel,
restorations and implant surfaces.
Will I still need scaling if I have AIRFLOW®?
AIRFLOW® removes biofilm and stains. If you have hard tartar (calculus), we’ll remove that with
ultrasonic instruments—often both are used in one visit.
How often should I see the hygienist?
It depends on your risk (home-care, gum history, smoking, orthodontics, etc.). Many patients benefit
from 3–6-monthly maintenance.
What happens if the hygienist finds a problem?
They’ll explain their concern and arrange a dentist appointment for diagnosis and treatment
planning.
What happens if the hygienist finds a problem?
They’ll explain their concern and arrange a dentist appointment for diagnosis and treatment planning.
Who AIRFLOW® may not be suitable for
- Severe or unstable respiratory conditions
Patients with uncontrolled asthma, COPD, or other serious breathing issues may be at risk from aerosols and should be assessed carefully. - Active infectious diseases
Conditions such as active tuberculosis or other transmissible respiratory infections are contraindications because of aerosol generation. - Allergies or special dietary needs
If you have allergies to powder ingredients (e.g., glycine, erythritol, flavourings) or require a low-sodium diet, we’ll select a suitable powder or avoid sodium bicarbonate-based powders. - Extremely inflamed or fragile tissues
In cases of severe gum inflammation or lack of attached gingiva, we may delay or modify treatment to prevent complications. - Certain medical therapies
Patients on bisphosphonate therapy or with complex systemic conditions may need a dentist’s input before subgingival air polishing.
WHAT OUR PATIENTS SAY
Opening Hours
Monday 8.00am – 7.00pm
Tuesday 8.00am – 7.00pm
Wednesday 8.00am – 6.00pm
Thursday 8.00am – 6.00pm
Friday 8.30am – 2.30pm
Saturday By arrangement only
Sunday Closed
Bristol Dental Specialists Ltd Registered in England & Wales company number 11696017
Bristol Dental Specialists, 24 Berkeley Square, Bristol, Gloucestershire, BS8 1HP. Telephone 0117 450 6666. Bristol Dental Specialists Ltd trading as Bristol Dental Specialists is a credit broker not a lender and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, 914167. Registered in England & Wales 11696017. Registered Address: 24 Berkeley Square, Bristol, Gloucestershire, BS8 1HP.
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