Arestin® is a dental antibiotic that is delivered locally within the tooth. The medication is a combination of two antibiotics – minocycline and rifampin. This antibiotic helps treat infections in the gums and nerves of the tooth.
Arestin® is used to treat infections caused by periodontitis. Periodontal disease is a chronic condition that affects the gums and bones that support the teeth. Arestin® is combined with scaling and root planing, which is a deep cleaning treatment that helps remove the plaque and tartar that has built up on the root of the tooth.
Arestin® removes existing harmful bacteria in the mouth and prevents bacteria from growing in the future. Arestin® comes in the form of microspheres that are placed into the pocket that forms between the tooth and gum. The antibiotic in the powder stops bacteria from growing and destroys bacteria that have already grown. The microspheres kill bacteria without harming the healthy gum tissue. Arestin® also releases calcium and phosphate ions, which are minerals that naturally strengthen the tooth’s enamel.
request an appointmentWhat conditions can be treated with Arestin®?
Arestin® treatment benefits people suffering from periodontitis, an infection of the gums. Periodontitis is the inflammation of the tissues around the teeth. This inflammation can cause the gums to bleed easily. This disease can eventually lead to the destruction of tissue, which can leave teeth vulnerable to extraction. Arestin® is a topical gel that is used to treat pockets in the gums.
How is Arestin® applied?
Arestin® is a powder that is applied to the infected site. The dentist will mix the powder with water to make a paste. After mixing, the paste is applied to the gum pockets and left there.
Treatments with Arestin® are minimally invasive, so patients can experience relief from periodontal diseases with minimal recovery time. The medication is applied in just one visit, but it can take several weeks for the medication to begin working.
How does Arestin® work?
Arestin® is an antibiotic that your dentist can apply to the pocket after scaling and root planing. It works by killing the bacteria that cause periodontal disease and preventing the growth of new ones.