Arestin® is an antibiotic treatment used to manage periodontal (gum) disease, especially in conjunction with scaling and root planing (SRP). It is a powerful antibiotic therapy and treatment used to treat periodontal disease, helping to reduce infection and inflammation directly at the gumline. This targeted treatment works alongside scaling and root planing (deep cleaning) to offer enhanced support in fighting bacteria and promoting gum healing.
What Is Arestin®?
Arestin® is a locally applied antibiotic containing minocycline, a form of tetracycline, that is placed directly into periodontal pockets around the teeth. Periodontal pockets form when bacteria accumulate beneath the gum line, leading to infection and gum inflammation. It is releases antibiotics over time, directly targeting these bacteria and helping to reduce the size of periodontal pockets. It is typically used as an adjunct to scaling and root planing, a deep cleaning procedure for gum disease. By eliminating harmful bacteria, it help to reduce gum inflammation, bleeding, and tenderness, promoting healing and encouraging the gums to reattach to the teeth.
How Arestin® Works
It is a non-surgical procedure called scaling and root planing, where plaque and tartar are removed from below the gum line. After the cleaning, socket is placed in the pockets surrounding the teeth, where it delivers antibiotic treatment over several days, effectively killing bacteria that cause gum disease. Its time-released formula allows for continuous, localized treatment, which helps prevent bacteria from re-colonizing in the pockets. Once it is applied, it slowly releases the minocycline over a period of up to 14 days. This slow release allows the antibiotic to remain active and effectively reduce the infection without the need for systemic antibiotics
Benefits of Arestin® for Periodontal Treatment
Arestin® offers several key benefits in periodontal care:
- Effective Bacterial Control: It is directly targets harmful bacteria in periodontal pockets, reducing infection and promoting healthier gums.
- Non-Surgical Treatment: It is a non-surgical solution and making it a minimally invasive way to manage periodontal disease.
- Prolonged Antibiotic Release: Unlike oral antibiotics, which are distributed throughout the entire body, Arestin® releases antibiotics gradually and locally, focusing the treatment where it’s needed most.
- Reduced Inflammation: The antibiotic action of Arestin® helps reduce gum inflammation and bleeding, promoting overall gum health.
- Improved Pocket Depth Reduction: When used in conjunction with scaling and root planing, can contribute to a decrease in pocket depth, making it easier to maintain clean, healthy gums.
What to Expect with Arestin® Treatment
The process of applying Arestin® is straightforward and comfortable:
- Scaling and Root Planing: Your periodontist will perform a deep cleaning treatment to remove plaque and tartar from below the gumline. Scaling helps remove this buildup to prevent further damage to your teeth and gums.
- Arestin® Application: It is placed into periodontal pockets around the affected teeth.
- Aftercare: For optimal results, we recommend avoiding flossing or disturbing the treated areas for about 10 days to allow the medication to work fully. Your periodontist will provide specific aftercare instructions tailored to your needs.
Is Arestin® Right for You?
Arestin is typically recommended for patients with moderate to advanced periodontal disease, where pocket depth is a concern. If you have been diagnosed with periodontal disease, may be a valuable addition to your treatment plan. Our team at PerioPDX will evaluate your condition and recommend this treatment if it is likely to improve your periodontal health. It is a highly effective treatment that enhances the results of scaling and root planing, especially for patients with moderate to severe gum disease. If you’re concerned about the procedure, our dentist will guide you through the process and ensure that your treatment is comfortable and beneficial for your oral health.
