Advanced Antibiotic Therapy for Healthier Gums
Arestin Treatment at Our Palo Alto Practice
When it comes to treating gum disease, modern dentistry offers advanced solutions that work beneath the surface to combat infection and promote healing. At our family dental care Palo Alto practice, we’re proud to offer Arestin as an effective adjunctive therapy for patients dealing with periodontal disease. This innovative treatment helps target the bacteria that cause gum disease right at the source, giving your gums the best chance to heal and recover.
What Is Arestin?
Arestin is a locally applied antibiotic treatment that contains minocycline microspheres. These tiny, bio-absorbable particles are placed directly into the periodontal pockets around your teeth following a scaling and root planing procedure. Once applied, Arestin works continuously for approximately 21 days, releasing medication that fights the bacteria responsible for periodontal disease. This targeted approach allows the antibiotic to concentrate exactly where it’s needed most, without requiring you to take oral antibiotics.
How Arestin Works
The treatment process is simple and comfortable. After your dentist or hygienist completes your scaling and root planing procedure, they will apply Arestin directly into the affected periodontal pockets. The microspheres are so small that you won’t feel them, and the application takes just moments to complete. Once in place, the antibiotic is released slowly over time, maintaining effective levels of medication that continue working long after you leave our office.
The minocycline in Arestin specifically targets the harmful bacteria that colonize beneath the gum line. By eliminating these bacteria, the treatment helps reduce pocket depth, decrease bleeding, and promote the reattachment of healthy gum tissue to your teeth.
Benefits of Arestin Therapy
Patients who receive Arestin treatment alongside traditional scaling and root planing often experience better outcomes than those who receive scaling and root planing alone. The benefits include improved pocket depth reduction, less bleeding during brushing and flossing, and better overall gum health. Because the medication is applied locally, you avoid the potential side effects and complications that can come with systemic antibiotics.
Another advantage is convenience. Unlike oral antibiotics that require multiple daily doses and can affect your entire body, Arestin is a one-time application that works automatically. You don’t need to remember to take pills, and you won’t experience the digestive upset that sometimes accompanies oral antibiotic use.
What to Expect After Treatment
Following your Arestin application, we’ll provide you with specific care instructions to ensure optimal results. For the first week, you should avoid touching the treated areas with your fingers or tongue. You’ll also need to postpone flossing and avoid eating hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that might disturb the treatment site. Brushing can typically resume after 12 hours, but your dental team will give you personalized guidance.
Most patients experience no discomfort from the Arestin application itself. Any sensitivity you feel will likely be from the scaling and root planing procedure rather than the antibiotic treatment. We’ll schedule a follow-up appointment to evaluate your healing progress and determine if additional treatment is necessary.
Who Can Benefit from Arestin?
Arestin is ideal for patients with chronic periodontitis who need extra help controlling the bacterial infection in their gum pockets. If you’ve been diagnosed with moderate to severe gum disease, or if previous treatments haven’t produced the results you need, Arestin may be an excellent option to discuss with your dental team.
At our family dental care Palo Alto office, we evaluate each patient’s unique situation to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. Our goal is to help you achieve and maintain healthy gums for life, and Arestin is one of the valuable tools we use to make that possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Arestin treatment painful?
No, the application of Arestin is not painful. The microspheres are placed gently into the periodontal pockets, and most patients don’t feel anything during the process.
How long does Arestin stay in the pockets?
The antibiotic continues to work for approximately 21 days. The microspheres naturally dissolve and are absorbed by your body over time.
Will my insurance cover Arestin?
Coverage varies by insurance plan. Our office staff will be happy to check your benefits and help you understand your coverage for periodontal treatments.
How soon will I see results?
Many patients notice reduced bleeding and improved gum health within a few weeks, though optimal results typically develop over several months as your gums heal.
Restore Your Gum Health with Arestin
If you’re struggling with periodontal disease, Arestin can provide the extra support your gums need to heal effectively. Our experienced team at Beckstead Dental Group is here to evaluate your condition and determine whether this treatment is right for you. Contact our practice today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healthier gums and a more confident smile.