Arestin

How is Arestin used?

As part of our therapy for periodontal disease, we have an effective treatment called Arestin that helps us control the infection in your mouth. Arestin is used together with scaling and root planing to significantly reduce the depth of the infected pockets and prevent the progression of the disease. Arestin in an antibiotic in powder form. After scaling and root planing, we apply the powder to your periodontal pockets, where it combines with moisture in your mouth and adheres immediately to the infected gum tissue. The individual powder particles release a controlled, steady flow of the active ingredient, minocycline, a potent antibiotic. The medication helps fight your periodontal infection for at least 21 days.

Arestin and your periodontal therapy

In certain conditions, Arestin may not be the right treatment for you. The active ingredient in Arestin is in the tetracycline family, so we won’t use it for patients who are allergic to tetracycline, pregnant or nursing, or under the age of eight. You should also know that Arestin is not a cure for periodontal disease. Once bone is lost, no medication will bring it back. For periodontal therapy to be successful, you still need to be very thorough with your daily oral hygiene and come see us regularly for exams. Arestin is an important part of the overall periodontal therapy program that we have designed for you to restore health to your gums.