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What is Arestin?

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Arestin® is a bioresorbable gel containing minocycline (a tetracycline derivative) microspheres. It has been FDA approved for the treatment of gum disease after a deep cleaning procedure known as scaling and root planing

Studies show that there is a possible link between periodontal infection and cardiovascular disease, diabetes, osteoporosis and increased incidence of pre-term, low-birth weight babies. 

These added risks makes early diagnosis and treatment of periodontal disease even more important.

The Arestin® Facts

Treatment with Arestin® (minocycline HCl 1mg) microspheres is fast, easy and doesn’t cause discomfort. Treating periodontal disease with Arestin and scaling and root planning(SRP) will help you manage chronic periodontitis more effectively than scaling and root planing alone. You’ll also be less likely to lose your teeth.

Patients treated with Arestin experience minimal side effects.

Arestin does not require bandages or stitches. Arestin is bioadhesive and bioresorbable. It will not leak, fall out, or leave anything to be removed by the dentist or hygienist in a follow-up visit.

Treating periodontitis with Arestin plus SRP can keep this chronic disease from progressing to the point where surgery is needed.

Arestin doesn’t require anesthesia because application is comfortable.

Who Can Benefit from Arestin® (minocycline HCl 1mg)?

Most patients with periodontal disease can benefit from Arestin. However, Arestin should not be used on children and pregnant or nursing women.

Where is Arestin Placed?

  • Arestin® microspheres are placed in the periodontal pocket.
  • The Microspheres carry the antibiotic minocycline.
  • The Microspheres are actively releasing the minocycline up to 14 days.
  • The Microspheres are completely resorbed on their own.

Is Treatment with Arestin a New Procedure?

The use of a locally administered antibiotic is not a new concept. For years, dentists have used antibiotics in conjunction with scaling and root planing treatments. However, Arestin, which was FDA-approved in February 2001, is the first locally-administered time released antibiotic encapsulated in microspheres to make Arestin a fast, easy treatment that doesn’t cause discomfort and has been shown to be more effective than SRP alone. At Sunnyvale Dental Care, Dr. Gupta has started using Arestin since it was introduced in the market with great results.

Does Arestin Work?

Yes, Arestin plus scaling and root planing is an effective treatment for periodontal disease compared to scaling and root planing alone. Clinical studies show that patients who received a combined treatment of scaling and root planing and Arestin maintained healthier gums and pockets versus those who were treated with scaling and root planing alone.

How Long does Treatment with Arestin Take?

In clinical trials, investigators were able to treat an average of 30 periodontal pockets, in less than ten minutes. That’s up to three sites in one minute! Treatment time for placement depends on the location and the number of periodontal pocket sites, but generally the procedure is fast, easy and comfortable.

Will I Have to Return to the Dentist to have Arestin Removed?

No. Arestin does not require bandages and won’t leak or fall out. It is naturally absorbed into the gums, leaving nothing that needs to be removed by your dentist.

Does Treatment with Arestin Hurt?

Treatment with Arestin is easy and doesn’t cause discomfort. There is no need for anesthesia, and that means no needles.

Are there any Side Effects?

In clinical studies, minimal side effects were reported. Those that were reported were similar to those in the placebo group. Arestin does not alter taste buds, cause teeth staining, or upset stomach. Sunnyvale Dentist Dr. Gupta has not encountered any significant side effect with the use of Arestin medication.

How do I Get the Best Results from my Treatment with Arestin®?

  • 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 for 1 week that could hurt your gums. (popcorn, chips, etc.)
  • Don’t chew gum or eat sticky foods.
  • After 10 days, resume cleaning between the treated teeth on a daily basis.
  • Drink plenty of water
  • Avoid or limit the amount of smoking or tobacco use; this will promote the healing process
  • Keep all of your follow-up appointments to make sure your condition is under control

Gum disease is one of the most common oral health problems to affect adults at some point in their lifetime. As it is a progressive disease, early intervention helps to prevent permanent tooth and gum damage. Not everyone will experience obvious signs and symptoms, which is why Sunnyvale Dentist Dr. Gupta stresses the importance of bi-yearly dental exams and cleanings. 

For patients who have developed gum disease, Dr. Gupta offers a variety of treatments to help halt the progression of your gum disease and restore your oral health. One of the treatment options available at Sunnyvale Dental Care office involves using Arestin®, a highly effective antibiotic that is placed underneath the gum surface to fight harmful bacteria over several months.

Learn more when you visit Sunnyvale Dental Care clinic. Call Sunnyvale dentist Dr. Gupta at 408-720-0900 to schedule a consultation today!

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