Arestin Therapy
Treating Adult Gum Disease
Periodontal disease, if left untreated, is a progressive condition that often leads to severe inflammation and tooth loss. Antibiotic treatments can be used in combination with scaling and root planning, curettage, surgery or as a stand-alone treatment in an effort to reduce bacteria before and/or after many common periodontal procedures.
Antibiotic treatments can be found in several different types, including oral forms and topical gels, which are applied directly into the gum pockets. Research indicates that for acute periodontal infection, refractory periodontal disease, prepubertal periodontal disease and juvenile periodontal disease, antibiotic treatments have been incredibly effective.
Antibiotics can be prescribed at a low dose for longer-term use, or as a short-term medication to deter bacteria from re-colonizing.
Arestin Therapy May Be Your Best Course
At CarolinasDentist, we understand that you or someone in your family may need specialized care. Sometimes, advanced treatments are simply the best course of action to take. As your family’s oral health provider, we make sure we have every need covered. This is why we provide Arestin therapy treatment for patients with adult periodontitis (gum disease).
This is a Minocycline antibiotic that comes in mini capsules which are administered into the gums after scaling and root planing. The advantage of the direct delivery of antibiotics to the surfaces of the gums is that the whole body is not affected. Topical gels and direct delivery methods tend to be preferred over their oral counterparts and are extremely effective when used after scaling and root planing procedures.
Noticeable periodontal improvements are typically noticed after systemic or oral antibiotic treatment. Our dentist will incorporate and recommend the necessary antibiotic treatments as necessary for the healing of your periodontal condition.
We also recommend these at-home treatments to help prevent advanced gum disease:
Don’t put off treatment; the goal is to keep the bacterial infection from progressing and return to healthy gums. Reach out to the CarolinasDentist office near you to discuss if Arestin is the treatment you need to treat your gums.
At CarolinasDentist, our compassionate, highly skilled dentists are dedicated to making sure you enjoy excellent oral health and a return to healthy gums. No matter what you need or what office near you that you visit, you’ll be in good hands. Reach out to us today to begin your journey to your best oral health!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, gum disease can spread if left untreated. It begins with localized inflammation in the gums and can progress to the surrounding tissues, including the bone and ligaments that support the teeth. Additionally, bacteria from gum disease can enter the bloodstream, potentially impacting overall health by increasing the risk of conditions like heart disease or diabetes. Early treatment and good oral hygiene can prevent its spread.
Yes, you can brush your teeth after receiving Arestin, but avoid brushing near the treated area for 12 hours. This precaution helps ensure the antibiotic stays in place and delivers its full benefits. Flossing and using interdental cleaners should also be avoided for 10 days near the application site to prevent dislodging the medication.
Arestin is applied as a fine powder that adheres to the gum tissue, so it is unlikely to fall out under normal circumstances. However, improper brushing, flossing, or eating hard or sticky foods too soon after application may dislodge it. To ensure it remains effective, follow our post-treatment guidelines closely and attend any scheduled follow-up visits.
Arestin can be used multiple times, depending on the severity of gum disease and your response to treatment. Our team may recommend repeat applications during scaling and root planing procedures or periodontal maintenance visits if necessary. The frequency of use is tailored to your individual oral health needs, as part of a comprehensive plan to manage gum disease and maintain healthy gums over time.
You may also be a good candidate for Perio Protect®, a non-invasive periodontal treatment that helps manage gum disease using custom-made prescription trays and a targeted antibacterial gel. These trays are designed to fit comfortably over your teeth and deliver medication deep below the gumline, reaching areas that brushing, flossing, and even professional cleanings may miss. Worn for just a few minutes each day at home, the trays allow the medication to penetrate periodontal pockets and reduce harmful bacteria over time.
