Gum disease or periodontal disease is caused by bacterial infection of your teeth and gums. It could lead to bleeding, receding gums, and sensitivity that can give rise to more severe gum diseases if left untreated. Also, it is one of the main causes of tooth loss among adults.

So, to prevent gum disease, it is important to clean the bacteria from the mouth through scaling and root planing (SRP). Through scaling, the dentist removes stubborn plaque, tartar, and stains from the surface of the teeth, and then smooths out the roots of the teeth through root planing to promote healing.

But sometimes, SRP is not enough. That’s when it is supplemented with an antibiotic called Arestin.

What Is Arestin?

Arestin is an antibiotic that consists of microspheres — tiny, bead-like particles filled with an antibiotic called minocycline hydrochloride. It is released to the teeth to clear bacteria and heal the gums instantly than done by SRP alone. If utilized together with SRP, it provides results that are three times better.

How Is Arestin Effective in Gum Diseases?

Bacteria buildup causes gum diseases. Antibiotics like Arestin are formulated to kill these bacteria. Arestin reaches these bacteria in the pockets. Though treatment like SRP removes a lot of bacteria and minimizes infection, it won’t reach those bacteria hidden in the bottom of pockets. That is why, after the scaling and root planing procedure, the dentist uses this antibiotic in the infected pockets below the gum line.

The procedure is conducted either immediately after the SRP treatment or during the follow-up visit. The dentist also uses Arestin during routine periodontal maintenance depending upon the patient’s needs. Also, its antibiotic is relatively painless and dissolves automatically, which means no removal is necessary.

Important Safety Information

Though Arestin is effective, it is important to follow some safety measures like:

• Avoiding it if minocycline or tetracyclines causes you to have an allergic reaction
• Consulting your dentist immediately if you encounter swelling, itching on the skin, fever, and enlarged lymph nodes
• Avoid it during tooth development or pregnancy because it can cause permanent discoloration of teeth.

If you experience any of these symptoms as well as infection, headache, flu, or pain, visit your dentist as soon as possible.

Lincolnway Dental Center offers complete dental care solutions by Dr. Young H. Kim and his team of dental assistants. For more details and appointments, call us at 630.897.1300, book online, or visit us at 648 North Randall Road, Aurora 60506.