If you have periodontal (gum) disease, SRP is needed to help improve the health of your gums. Bacteria are the cause of gum disease and ARESTIN® is an antibiotic that helps kill bacteria at the root of the problem.
What is Arestin and how does it work?
ARESTIN® is an antibiotic. It is not a pill as a pill could not give you the level of antibiotic concentration in your gums that that ARESTIN® can, instead, ARESTIN® comes in tiny, bead-like “Microspheres” that are filled with minocycline hydrochloride (an antibiotic). These microspheres are placed directly into the infected periodontal pocket and slowly release the antibiotic over time, killing the bacteria that causes periodontal disease.
ARESTIN® is indicated as an adjunct to scaling and root planing (SRP) procedures for reduction of pocket depth in patients with adult periodontitis. ARESTIN® may be used as part of a periodontal maintenance program which includes good oral hygiene, scaling and root planing.
What care should be taken after having Arestin placed?
The following precautions should be taken after having ARESTIN® placed in order to get the best results:
- No eating or drinking for 30 minutes following treatment
- Avoid touching the treated areas
- Wait 12 hours after your treatment before brushing teeth
- Wait 10 days before using floss, toothpicks, or other devices designed to clean between the treated teeth
- Avoid foods that could hurt your gums (popcorn, chips) for 1 week
- Don’t chew gum or eat sticky foods
- After 10 days, resume normal daily cleanings. Just like any dental treatment of your gums, Arestin® therapy will not work effectively if you do not do your part and brush at least 2 times per day and floss everyday.
