Periodontitis is a severe form of gum infection that accounts for one of the primary reasons for tooth loss among Americans. It can also lead to other serious health complications, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and low birth weight in newborns. Periodontitis also damages the soft tissue and can cause the degeneration of bone that supports your teeth.
request an appointmentWhat is Arestin®?
Arestin® is a prescription and dental antibiotic explicitly developed to treat gum disease in conjunction with scaling and root planing procedures. It contains minocycline, an FDA-approved antibiotic as its major ingredient, and acts by destroying the bacteria associated with gum disease.
Arestin® uses a unique gel formulation containing tiny antibiotics microspheres that release antibiotic medicine for a period of time to deliver long-term action and destroy new bacteria as the area heals. Since Arestin® is applied directly to the affected areas, it starts its action quickly and more effectively than oral antibiotics that must reach the gums via the bloodstream.
When is Arestin® Treatment Required?
Arestin® proves to be beneficial for patients showing symptoms of periodontal disease. Conditions like increased periodontal pocket depth around teeth, bleeding during brushing and flossing, gum inflammation, sore gums, etc., may indicate the presence of periodontal disease. Severe gum disease is marked by bone loss and loose teeth. For patients diagnosed with periodontal disease, the dentists of Angela An, D.D.S., recommend the application of Arestin® as a part of the treatment protocol along with other procedures to maintain your periodontal health. Applying Arestin® gel during regular periodontal treatments and teeth cleanings for patients with advanced gum disease can help prevent bacterial accumulation.
How is Arestin® applied?
Usually, Arestin® gel is applied below the patient’s gum line and around the tooth roots after root scaling and planing procedures that remove dental plaque and calculus. After deep cleaning the areas between the teeth and gums, the dentist applies Arestin® using an applicator to reach the deep areas around the tooth root effectively. Since it is of gel formulation, the antibiotic can adhere to tooth roots and the other surfaces and do its job where needed most.
How Does Arestin® Work?
During an SRP (Scaling and Root planing procedure), the dentists may not be able to eliminate all the bacteria in the gum pockets physically. When Arestin® antibiotic is applied directly into these pockets, it eradicates all the existing bacteria and prevents the growth of new ones.
Book an appointment with us and find out more about the benefits of Arestin® to treat periodontal diseases.